By Greg Luca, Staff Writers | San Antonio Express-News (SAEN), 2026-05-04 23:16:05
马刺队在主场弗罗斯特银行中心 (Frost Bank Center) 迎战明尼苏达森林狼队，西部半决赛首战正式打响。跟随我们的报道，实时捕捉赛场精彩瞬间——从球员入场到投篮训练笔记，再到赛中实时动态。
尚帕尼压哨三分偏出，森林狼凭借窒息防守拿下首战
朱利安·尚帕尼 (Julian Champagnie) 的压哨三分投篮偏出，森林狼队以 104-102 险胜马刺队，赢得了系列赛的首场胜利。这场比赛正如赛前预期的那样，演变成了一场硬碰硬的防守拉锯战。
维克托·文班亚马 (Victor Wembanyama) 和迪伦·哈珀 (Dylan Harper) 在最后一分钟相继得分，缩小了圣安东尼奥马刺队的落后分差，并制造了紧张的终局氛围，但尚帕尼未能投中绝杀球。马刺队全场三分命中率仅为 27.8%。
得分主力表现挣扎，马刺首战面临失利边缘
随着得分主力文班亚马和德阿隆·福克斯 (De’Aaron Fox) 的得分均未能上双，马刺队在面对森林狼队强硬的防守时，始终难以在进攻端取得突破。
文班亚马以 12 次盖帽刷新了 NBA 季后赛单场盖帽纪录，但他在进攻端表现挣扎，13 投仅 4 中得到 8 分，其中三分球 8 投 0 中。
福克斯同样 13 投 4 中仅得 8 分，另有 5 次助攻和 6 次失误。
斯蒂芬·卡斯尔 (Stephon Castle) 在第一场比赛中砍下全队最高的 17 分，但在比赛还剩三分钟多时因犯满离场，无法参加最后的决战。
森林狼连得七分，马刺形势危急
迈克·康利 (Mike Conley) 在比赛还剩不到五分钟时投中三分，将明尼苏达的领先优势扩大到 9 分，迫使圣安东尼奥主帅米奇·约翰逊 (Mitch Johnson) 请求暂停。
在康利命中三分之前，纳兹·里德 (Naz Reid) 和特伦斯·香农 (Terrence Shannon Jr.) 相继上篮得手，趁着马刺队进攻哑火之际扩大了战果。
这是这支马刺队从未经历过的。他们正试图在一群经验丰富的老将面前终结一场季后赛。
— 迈克·芬格 (Mike Finger) (@ mikefinger.bsky.social) 2026年5月4日 晚上10:55
文班亚马打破盖帽纪录，马刺微弱领先
文班亚马送出了本场比赛的第 11 次盖帽，创造了 NBA 季后赛单场新纪录，随后助攻福克斯完成转换上篮，在比赛还剩约 8 分钟时帮助马刺队取得 3 分领先。
安东尼·爱德华兹 (Anthony Edwards) 在本节的前三分钟内砍下 7 分，包括在文班亚马面前投中一记三分，带领森林狼队紧咬比分，将悬念留到了最后时刻。
新秀哈珀表现出色，砍下 16 分，成为圣安东尼奥的头号得分手。
畅销书作家谢伊·塞拉诺现身球馆
谢伊·塞拉诺 (Shea Serrano) 曾五次荣登《纽约时报》畅销书榜，他也是马刺队的超级粉丝。在一次暂停期间，他出现在了大屏幕上。
他的出现引发了观众席的热烈欢呼和掌声。
塞拉诺出现在周一晚上的比赛现场并不令人意外，因为他在社交媒体账号上充分展现了对马刺的热爱。
几小时前，他还在网上晒出了自己在座位上的视角。
[约翰逊压哨抛投结束第三节，但马刺深陷犯规困扰](#johnson-swishes-floater-to-close third-quarter-but-spurs-battling-foul-trouble–034048)
凯尔登·约翰逊 (Keldon Johnson) 投中一记高弧度的压哨抛投，帮助马刺队以 72-69 的领先优势进入第一场比赛的末节，但犯规问题可能会在胶着的终局阶段给圣安东尼奥带来麻烦。
马刺队在末节前的两位主要得分手都面临犯规困扰，哈珀（16 分）和卡斯尔（12 分）各自领到 4 次犯规。
前三节三分球命中率仅为 25% 的圣安东尼奥，需要竭尽全力来守护这微弱的领先优势。
凯尔登压哨命中！
@ NBAonNBC pic.twitter.com/nWSBYfGVQO
— 圣安东尼奥马刺队 (@ spurs) 2026年5月5日
文班打破马刺季后赛盖帽纪录
文班亚马已经追平了 NBA 季后赛单场 10 次盖帽的纪录，且还有一节多的时间来创造新纪录。
尽管半场后的数据修正让文班亚马进入下半场时的盖帽数从 8 个变成了 7 个，但他还是在第三节开场四分钟时送出一次盖帽，并在该节末段不到 30 秒的时间内连送两次盖帽。
他超越了蒂姆·邓肯 (Tim Duncan) 在 2007 年对阵菲尼克斯时创造的 9 次盖帽的马刺队史纪录。
迪伦·哈珀手感火热
这位新秀后卫刚刚完成了一次精彩的突破上篮并造成犯规，点燃了全场球迷的热情。
作为芝加哥公牛队传奇球星朗·哈珀 (Ron Harper) 的儿子，哈珀在季后赛首轮对阵波特兰开拓者队的系列赛中表现出色，而他在西部半决赛中延续了这种火热状态。
来自罗格斯大学的迪伦·哈珀从不畏惧大场面。
— 迈克·芬格 (Mike Finger) (@ mikefinger.bsky.social) 2026年5月4日 晚上10:19
福克斯开局慢热，森林狼顽强咬住比分
职业生涯首次品尝季后赛第二轮滋味的马刺队后卫福克斯，在第一场比赛中开局慢热。
在下半场的第一次暂停时，福克斯出场 19 分钟，7 投仅 1 中得到 2 分，另有 3 次助攻和 2 次失误。
圣安东尼奥的年轻后卫们挺身而出，弥补了这位两届全明星球员的低迷开局，新秀哈珀替补登场砍下 11 分，卡斯尔贡献 10 分。
攻防转换引爆全场
在文班镇守篮筐的情况下，马刺队迫使明尼苏达出现 24 秒违例，随后德文·瓦塞尔 (Devin Vassell) 在进攻端命中三分。KVUE 记者科里·莫斯 (Cory Mose) 表示，这是他整晚在弗罗斯特银行中心听到的马刺死忠粉们发出的最大欢呼声。
这大概是我今晚在弗罗斯特银行中心听到的最大声音……
马刺队迫使对手 24 秒违例，全场观众起立鼓掌。随后德文·瓦塞尔在另一端命中三分 #Porvida | #GSG pic.twitter.com/nBINzw4VcT
— 科里·莫斯 (Cory Mose) (@ Cory_Mose) 2026年5月5日
马刺传奇球星引爆球馆气氛
马刺传奇球星们在第一场比赛的暂停期间现身，引爆了弗罗斯特银行中心的全场气氛。
大卫·罗宾逊 (David Robinson) 和布鲁斯·鲍文 (Bruce Bowen) 首先出现在大屏幕上，随后是安东尼奥·丹尼尔斯 (Antonio Daniels) —— 每一位都赢得了巨大的欢呼声。
但当马努·吉诺比利 (Manu Ginóbili) 出现在屏幕上时，全场爆发出了最震耳欲聋的呐喊声，将球馆气氛推向了巅峰。
如果说有一件事是确定的，那就是马刺球迷深爱着他们的传奇。
文班冲击马刺季后赛盖帽纪录
在周一上场的头 18 分钟内就狂揽 8 次盖帽后，马刺中锋文班亚马将带着打破队史季后赛单场盖帽纪录的机会进入下半场。
目前的纪录由邓肯保持，他在 2007 年对阵菲尼克斯的比赛中送出了 9 次盖帽。
面对同胞防守名将鲁迪·戈贝尔 (Rudy Gobert) 似乎总能激发文班亚马在防守端的最佳状态，他上半场抢下的 7 个篮板仅次于戈贝尔的 9 个，位居全场第二。
在经历慢热开局后，文班亚马在半场结束前也找到了进攻手感，在最后三分钟内两次篮下得分，使他的得分达到 6 分。
文班无处不在
https://t.co/18lU5AEZPH pic.twitter.com/qjihnwU5oM
— NBA (@ NBA) 2026年5月5日
马刺与森林狼的肉搏战
马刺队和森林狼队正在展开肉搏战，双方你来我往。
年轻的马刺队与去年的西部决赛球队之间的这场身体对抗，注定会让整个系列赛演变成一场复古风格的激战。
“卡斯尔和杰登·麦克丹尼尔斯 (Jaden McDaniels) 之间的七场较量将产生难以想象的对抗强度，”《快报》专栏作家迈克·芬格 (Mike Finger) 在 Bluesky 上写道。
这个系列赛将是一场血战。更令人惊讶的是，华子竟然想让自己承受这些。
— 迈克·芬格 (Mike Finger) (@ mikefinger.bsky.social) 2026年5月4日 晚上9:25
文班亚马一直以惊人的频率拒绝对手的投篮。这位现任 NBA 年度最佳防守球员在下个赛季也将很难被撼动。
文班亚马今晚就想把明年的 DPOY 奖杯赢走。
— 杰夫·麦克唐纳 (@ JMcDonald_SAEN) 2026年5月5日
爱德华兹状态出色，给圣安东尼奥带来挑战
到了第二节中段，森林狼球星爱德华兹已经替补出场 11 分钟，看起来状态非常健康，足以在周一以及整个第二轮系列赛中成为圣安东尼奥的眼中钉。
爱德华兹开局强劲，前四投三中，贡献了 7 分、3 个篮板和 2 次助攻。
马刺队依靠三分球维持着微弱的领先，卡斯尔和尚帕尼各投中了两个三分。
首节表现起伏，马刺球迷与 Jackals 助威团热情不减
在首节起伏不定的表现后，在 Jackals 助威团的带领下，马刺球迷依然保持着高昂的斗志。
“防守”的呐喊声在球馆内回荡，Jackals 区域传来的鼓声震天，帮助观众在每一次进攻中都全身心投入。
到目前为止，全场最响亮的时刻来自于文班亚马连续的盖帽，以及卡斯尔和哈珀的进球，每一次都引发了球迷的阵阵欢呼。
势头摇摆
第二节初，场上势头在两队之间摇摆。森林狼队打出一波 7-0 的高潮，马刺队则由卡斯尔的扣篮和尚帕尼的三分球予以回击。第一节的特点是爱德华兹的复出以及两队频繁的盖帽。马刺和森林狼在第一节共送出了 7 次盖帽。
华子复出后的前两个进球：
高难度后仰。
弧顶三分。在 Peacock 和 NBCSN 观看森林狼对阵马刺的第一场比赛！ pic.twitter.com/EwJbTawrpp
— NBA (@ NBA) 2026年5月5日
A-Rod 现身球场
另一项运动（棒球）的传奇人物也出现在了今晚的比赛现场。前纽约洋基队的游击手亚历克斯·罗德里格斯 (Alex Rodriguez) 是森林狼队的大股东之一。
朱利叶斯·兰德尔和纳肖恩·海兰德在森林狼对阵马刺的第一场比赛前问候亚历克斯·罗德里格斯
罗德里格斯是森林狼队的大股东之一！
(来自 @ HectorLedesmaTV) pic.twitter.com/yWxRuWYDLh
— ClutchPoints (@ ClutchPoints) 2026年5月5日
爱德华兹替补登场
森林狼的核心球员、四届全明星安东尼·爱德华兹在第一节还剩约 7 分钟时的首次开场暂停后替补登场。
在他上场后的前两次进攻中，森林狼队都出现了失误，但爱德华兹在几分钟后通过助攻戈贝尔完成上篮找到了比赛节奏。
爱德华兹在第一场比赛中复出令人意外，此前他在森林狼首轮对阵丹佛的第四场比赛中膝盖受伤，原本预计将缺席更长时间。
首战开启盖帽盛宴
新晋 NBA 年度最佳防守球员文班亚马和四届得主戈贝尔在第一场开局就展现了他们在禁区的防守价值，在比赛的前三次进攻中均记录了盖帽。
文班亚马拒绝了明尼苏达的前两次上篮尝试，而戈贝尔则封盖了圣安东尼奥球员尚帕尼在三秒区的投篮。
森林狼球星爱德华兹在伤愈复出后的首场比赛中将面临出场时间限制，他没有首发，而是替补出场。
首发阵容
福克斯和卡斯尔出任后卫，瓦塞尔和尚帕尼搭档前场。文班亚马担任马刺队中锋。
马刺：卡斯尔、福克斯、瓦塞尔、尚帕尼、文班亚马
森林狼：康利、香农、麦克丹尼尔斯、兰德尔、戈贝尔* – 安东尼·爱德华兹将受出场时间限制替补出场。
— 杰夫·麦克唐纳 (@ JMcDonald_SAEN) 2026年5月5日
弗罗斯特银行中心开球
比赛已经打响。请保持关注，我们将为您带来近距离的现场报道。
马刺队在主场迎战明尼苏达森林狼队，进行西部半决赛的第一场对决。
跟随我们的团队，为您带来弗罗斯特银行中心的实时更新——从球员入场到投篮训练笔记，再到精彩赛况。 https://t.co/g3mdMIHaZh pic.twitter.com/cnu8vfFyIq
— 圣安东尼奥快报 (@ ExpressNews) 2026年5月5日
安东尼·爱德华兹将替补登场
爱德华兹准备伤愈复出，但他将替补登场，因为他没有出现在明尼苏达的首发阵容中。
安东尼·爱德华兹职业生涯首次在季后赛中替补出场，这也是他自 2020-21 新秀赛季以来的第三次替补。
— 丹·韦斯 (Dan Weiss) (@ DanWeissPBP) 2026年5月5日
赛前穿搭秀
球员通道定下了基调——马刺球员在第一场比赛前的入场着装给人留下了深刻印象。
卡斯尔身穿 Paly “Back to Life Ringer” T恤走在最前面，胸前印有骑马者的图案和红色字样。他搭配了 Halfway Point Degenerate 褪色运动裤、绿色运动鞋和黑色皮革旅行包，完成了整体造型。
卡斯尔的“冲击兄弟 (Slash Bro)”搭档哈珀也展现了类似的运动风。这位新秀穿着 Vale Forever 迷彩足球保暖衣，搭配宽松牛仔裤和黑色运动鞋。
老将福克斯保持了经典稳重的风格，身穿合身的灰色 Polo 衫搭配深蓝色长裤。简约、干练且低调，配以项链和手表，证明了简洁的基础款依然是季后赛的稳妥时尚选择。
瓦塞尔一直有着出色的球员通道穿搭记录，他选择了一件亮眼的单品，身穿酒红色皮革轰炸机夹克，内搭白色 T 恤和白色牛仔裤。他还穿上了球队配色的运动鞋并戴着 Apple AirPod Pros，增添了一些马刺元素。
嘉年华氛围弥漫弗罗斯特银行中心
前来观看周一第二轮对阵明尼苏达森林狼队第一场比赛的球迷，会发现每个座位上都摆放着嘉年华 (Fiesta) 主题的季后赛 T 恤，入口处还会发放助威器，以确保球馆从晚上 8:30 开球起就保持巨大的声浪。
玛丽亚奇歌手塞巴斯蒂安·德·拉·克鲁兹 (Sebastian De La Cruz) 将在首轮亮相后再次回归演唱国歌。
如何观看今晚的比赛
今晚的第一场比赛将在 NBC Sports Network 频道播出，并在 Peacock 平台实时直播。您也可以通过以下广播电台收听比赛：1200 AM、1350 AM（西班牙语）、107.5 FM。
比赛于中部时间晚上 8:30 开球。
马刺已为安东尼·爱德华兹在首战的意外复出做好准备
无论球星爱德华兹是否上场，马刺主帅米奇·约翰逊都认为森林狼是一支建立在侵略性、运动能力和身体对抗基础上的球队。但随着圣安东尼奥自 2017 年以来首次重返季后赛第二轮，约翰逊表示他很高兴爱德华兹能出现在明尼苏达的轮换阵容中，并一直激励马刺队迎接挑战。
“面对那种级别的球员，在某种程度上省去了很多思考，因为这个联盟中只有少数球员能达到那个水平，所以你了解他们的打法，”约翰逊说，“和他竞争会很有趣。我很高兴他能上场。”
爱德华兹上一次出现在弗罗斯特银行中心是在 1 月 17 日，当时他疯狂砍下职业生涯最高的 55 分，但马刺队最终以 126-123 获胜。
马刺队主帅米奇·约翰逊谈对位安东尼·爱德华兹的准备工作：“面对那种级别的球员，在某种程度上省去了很多思考，因为这个联盟中只有少数球员能达到那个水平，所以你了解他们的打法。……和他竞争会很有趣。我很高兴他能上场。” pic.twitter.com/az0aR1GZVv
— Spurs Nation (@ Spurs_Nation) 2026年5月5日
森林狼主帅确认：安东尼·爱德华兹今晚出战
在有关明尼苏达森林狼球星爱德华兹有望参加今晚系列赛揭幕战的消息传出后，森林狼主帅克里斯·芬奇 (Chris Finch) 确认这位后卫将伤愈复出。
爱德华兹被看到在赛前进行热身，脸上挂着微笑。芬奇表示，在森林狼首轮击败丹佛后，这位四届全明星球员非常有动力从膝伤中复出。
明尼苏达主帅克里斯·芬奇谈安东尼·爱德华兹今晚复出：“他热爱比赛。伤病发生时我们躲过了一劫……他因为我们能够赢下首轮系列赛而备受鼓舞，我认为那对他来说也是一种激励。” pic.twitter.com/lfvCb18m16
— Spurs Nation (@ Spurs_Nation) 2026年5月5日
克里斯·芬奇表示，安东尼·爱德华兹今晚“出战”。
“他热爱比赛，”教练说，并补充道在森林狼首轮击败丹佛后，这位四届全明星非常有动力复出。
芬奇表示爱德华兹将面临出场时间限制。
— 汤姆·奥斯本 (Tom Orsborn) (@ tom_orsborn) 2026年5月5日
由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
点击查看原文：Spurs playoffs live updates: Spurs in defensive struggle
Spurs playoffs live updates: Spurs in defensive struggle
The Spurs are facing the Minnesota Timberwolves at home as Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals tips off at Frost Bank Center. Follow along as we capture moments from the arena — from player entrances to shootaround notes and in-game updates.
Champagnie’s 3-pointer misses at the buzzer as Timberwolves use stifling defense to take Game 1
Julian Champagnie’s 3-pointer at the buzzer was off the mark as the Timberwolves prevailed 104-102 against the Spurs in Game 1 of a series that lived up to its billing as a hard-nosed, defensive struggle.
Victor Wembanyama and Dylan Harper scored in the final minute to trim San Antonio’s deficit and set up a tense finish, but Champagnie could not deliver the decisive basket, capping a night the Spurs shot 27.8% from 3-point range.
With top scorers struggling, Spurs on brink of Game 1 loss
With scoring leaders Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox both failing to crack double digits, the Spurs have struggled to find an offensive breakthrough against the Timberwolves’ hard-nosed defense.
Wembanyama set a new NBA record for blocks in a playoff game with 12, but he’s floundered on the offensive end with eight points on 4-of-13 shooting, including 0 for 8 from beyond the arc.
Fox also has just eight points on 4-of-13 shooting, with five assists and six turnovers.
Stephon Castle has a team-high 17 points in Game 1 but will not be available for the final stretch after fouling out with more than three minutes to play.
Spurs in danger after Timberwolves score seven straight
Mike Conley knocked down a 3-pointer with just less than five minutes remaining, pushing Minnesota to a nine-point lead and forcing San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson to call timeout.
Conley’s 3-pointer followed layups by Naz Reid and Terrence Shannon Jr., capitalizing as the Spurs offense has gone cold.
This is the stuff these Spurs have never done. Trying to finish a playoff game against dudes who’ve finished playoff games before.
— Mike Finger (@ mikefinger.bsky.social) May 4, 2026 at 10:55 PM
Wembanyama takes hold of blocks record as Spurs poke ahead
Victor Wembanyama’s 11th block, setting an NBA record for a single playoff game, led to a transition layup for De’Aaron Fox and a three-point lead for the Spurs with about 8 minutes to play.
Anthony Edwards scored seven points in the first three minutes of the quarter, including a 3-pointer over Wembanyama, leading a Timberwolves team that looks ready to keep Game 1 close into the final minutes.
Rookie Dylan Harper has stepped up as San Antonio’s leading scorer with 16 points.
Best selling author Shea Serrano in the arena
Shea Serrano, a five time New York Times best selling author and Spurs super fan, made an appearance on the Jumbotron during a timeout.
His appearance caused cheers and claps from the crowd.
It’s not a shock that Serrano is at Monday night’s game as his Spurs fandom shines all through his social media accounts.
Hours earlier, he posted his view from his seats.
Johnson swishes floater to close third quarter, but Spurs battling foul trouble
Keldon Johnson swished a high-arching floater at the buzzer to give the Spurs a 72-69 lead entering the final quarter of Game 1, but foul trouble could prove problematic for San Antonio through a tight finish.
The Spurs’ two leading scorers entering a tight final frame are both battling foul issues, as Dylan Harper (16 points) and Stephon Castle (12) each have four.
Shooting just 25% from 3-point range through three quarters, San Antonio will need all the help it can muster to protect a narrow lead.
KELDON AT THE BUZZER
— San Antonio Spurs (@ spurs) May 5, 2026
Wemby sets Spurs playoff blocks record
Victor Wembanyama has matched the NBA record for blocks in a playoff game with 10, with more than a quarter left to cement a new mark.
Though a halftime scoring change left Wembanyama with seven blocks instead of eight entering the second half, he notched one four minutes into the third quarter and two more less than 30 seconds apart late in the period.
He eclipsed the Spurs franchise mark of nine set by Tim Duncan in a 2007 game against Phoenix.
Dylan Harper getting hot
The rookie guard just got fans on their feet after driving to the basket, nailing a silky layup and drawing a foul.
The son of Chicago Bulls legend Ron Harper, Dylan had a standout series in the first round of the playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers and his form is continuing in these Western Conference semifinals.
Dylan Harper of Rutgers ain’t afraid of big games.
— Mike Finger (@ mikefinger.bsky.social) May 4, 2026 at 10:19 PM
Fox’s slow start helps Timberwolves hang tough
Tasting the second round of the playoffs for the first time in his career, Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox has been slow out of the gate in Game 1.
At the first timeout of the second half, Fox had just two points on 1-of-7 shooting with three assists and a pair of turnovers in 19 minutes on the floor.
San Antonio’s young guards have stepped up to help offset the rough start for the two-time All-Star, as rookie Dylan Harper has 11 points off the bench and Stephon Castle has 10.
Crowd erupted after end-to-end sequence
With Wemby guarding the rim, the Spurs forced a Minnesota shot-clock violation, and Devin Vassell hit a three at the other end. It was the loudest KVUE reporter Cory Mose said he’d heard the Spurs faithful get at Frost Bank Center all night.
This was probably the loudest I heard Frost Bank Center tonight…
Spurs force a shot clock violation that results in a standing ovation from the crowd. Then Devin Vassell hits a 3 on the other end#Porvida | #GSG pic.twitter.com/nBINzw4VcT
— Cory Mose (@ Cory_Mose) May 5, 2026
Spurs royalty ignites Frost Bank Center crowd
Spurs legends brought the house down during a timeout in Game 1, sending the crowd into a frenzy at Frost Bank Center.
David Robinson and Bruce Bowen were the first to appear on the Jumbotron, followed by Antonio Daniels — each drawing loud cheers.
But the biggest roar came when Manu Ginóbili hit the screen, pushing the arena to another level.
If there’s one thing that’s true, it’s that Spurs fans love their legends.
Wemby chasing Spurs playoff blocks record
After racking up eight blocks in his first 18 minutes on the court Monday, Spurs center Victor Wembanyama will enter the second half with a chance to eclipse the franchise postseason record for single-game blocks.
Tim Duncan holds the current mark, swatting away nine shots in a 2007 matchup with Phoenix.
Facing fellow French defensive standout Rudy Gobert often seems to bring the best out of Wembanyama on that end of the floor, as his seven first-half rebounds trail only Gobert’s nine boards for the game high.
Wembanyama also found an offensive spark late in the half following a slow start, scoring a pair of baskets at the rim in the final three minutes to give him six points.
WEMBY IS EVERYWHERE
— NBA (@ NBA) May 5, 2026
Physical affair between Spurs and Wolves
The Spurs and Timberwolves are trading buckets and blows.
A physical showdown between the young Spurs and last year’s Western Conference finalists looks sure to produce an old-school slugfest throughout the series.
“Seven games of Stephon Castle and Jaden McDaniels is going to produce unthinkable levels of violence,” Express-News columnist Mike Finger said on Bluesky.
This series is going to be a bloodbath. Makes it all the more amazing Ant wanted to subject himself to this.
— Mike Finger (@ mikefinger.bsky.social) May 4, 2026 at 9:25 PM
And Wembanayma has been rejecting shots at an astonishing clip. The reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year will be tough to dethrone next season.
Wembanyama’s trying to win next year’s DPOY award tonight.
— Jeff McDonald (@ JMcDonald_SAEN) May 5, 2026
Edwards looks fresh, setting up challenge for San Antonio
By the midway point of the second quarter, Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards had already logged 11 minutes off the bench, looking healthy enough to be a thorn in San Antonio’s side Monday and through their second-round series.
Edwards started strong with seven points, three rebounds and a pair of assists, knocking down three of his first four shots.
The Spurs have relied on the 3-point shot to maintain a tight lead, with Stephon Castle and Julian Champagnie each hitting a pair from beyond the arc.
Spurs fans, jackals keep energy high after up and down opening quarter
Spurs fans, led by the Jackals, are keeping the energy high after an up-and-down opening quarter.
“Defense” chants echo through the arena as drums pound from the Jackals section, helping keep the crowd engaged through each possession.
The loudest moments so far have come from back-to-back Victor Wembanyama blocks, along with buckets from Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, each drawing a roar of cheers from fans.
Momentum swinging
Early in the second quarter, momentum is swinging between the teams. A 7-0 run by the Timberwolves has been answered with a Stephon Castle dunk and a Julian Champagnie three-pointer. The first quarter was marked by Edwards’ return and copious blocking by both teams. The Spurs and Wolves combined for seven blocks in the first quarter.
Ant’s first two buckets in his return:
Tough fadeaway.
Top of the key 3.Watch Wolves/Spurs Game 1 on Peacock and NBCSN! pic.twitter.com/EwJbTawrpp
— NBA (@ NBA) May 5, 2026
A-Rod in the building
A legend of another sport, the one they play on a diamond, is in attendance at tonight’s game. Alex Rodriguez, the former New York Yankees shortstop, is a controlling owner of the Timberwolves.
Julius Randle and Bones Hyland greet Alex Rodriguez ahead of Timberwolves-Spurs Game 1
Rodriguez is one of the controlling owners of the T-Wolves!
(via @ HectorLedesmaTV) pic.twitter.com/yWxRuWYDLh
— ClutchPoints (@ ClutchPoints) May 5, 2026
Edwards checks in for Minnesota
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota’s centerpiece and four-time All-Star, checked into the game for the first time after the game’s opening timeout with about 7 minutes to play in the first quarter.
The Timberwolves turned the ball over on his first two possessions, but Edwards found his way into the game after a couple minutes with an assist to Rudy Gobert for a layup.
Edwards was a surprise return for Game 1, expected to miss more time after suffering a knee injury in Game 4 of Minnesota’s first-round series against Denver.
Block party to open Game 1
Recently crowned NBA Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama and four-time winner Rudy Gobert showed their value protecting the paint to open Game 1, recording blocks on the game’s first three possessions.
Wembanyama turned away Minnesota’s first two attempts at layups, while Gobert swatted a shot in the lane from San Antonio’s Julian Champagnie.
Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, who will be on a minutes restriction in his return from injury, did not start and will enter the game off the bench.
Starting lineups
De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle are playing the guard positions with Devin Vassell and Julian Champagnie in the frontcourt. Victor Wembanyama is the Spurs’ center.
Spurs: Castle, Fox, Vassell, Champagnie, Wembanyama
Wolves: Conley, Shannon, McDaniels, Randle, Gobert* – Anthony Edwards will come off the bench on a minutes limit
— Jeff McDonald (@ JMcDonald_SAEN) May 5, 2026
Tip-off at Frost Bank Center
The game has tipped off. Stay tuned in as we bring you closer to the action.
The Spurs are facing the Minnesota Timberwolves at home in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
Follow along as our team brings you live updates from the Frost Bank Center — from player entrances to shootaround notes and game action. https://t.co/g3mdMIHaZh pic.twitter.com/cnu8vfFyIq
— San Antonio Express-News (@ ExpressNews) May 5, 2026
Anthony Edwards to start on bench
Edwards is set to make his return from injury, but he will do so coming off the bench as he was not named to Minnesota’s starting lineup.
Anthony Edwards comes off the bench for the first time in his playoff career and just the third time since his rookie season in 2020-21.
— Dan Weiss (@ DanWeissPBP) May 5, 2026
Game-day drip
The tunnel set the tone — and the Spurs came in dressed to impress ahead of Game 1.
Stephon Castle led the way in the Paly “Back to Life Ringer Tee,” featuring a graphic of a rider on horseback with red lettering across the chest. He paired it with Halfway Point Degenerate faded sweatpants, green sneakers, and a black leather travel bag to complete the overall look.
Fellow “Slash Bro” Dylan Harper brought a similar vibe to his athletic counterpart. The rookie wore a Vale Forever Camo Futball Thermal with loose-fitting jeans and black sneakers.
The veteran, De’Aaron Fox, kept things classic and controlled in a fitted gray polo paired with navy trousers. Simple, sharp, and understated, the look was elevated with a chain and watch, proof that clean basics are still a solid fashion choice for the playoffs.
Devin Vassell, who has a history of great tunnel fits, leaned into a pop of color statement piece, stepping through in a burgundy leather bomber-type jacket layered with a white tee and white jeans. He added some Spurs flair with team-colored sneakers and his Apple AirPod Pros.
Fiesta vibes fill Frost Bank Center
Fans heading into Monday’s Game 1 of the second round against the Minnesota Timberwolves will be greeted with Fiesta-themed playoff shirts waiting on every seat, along with noisemakers handed out at entrances to keep the arena loud from the 8:30 p.m. tipoff.
Mariachi singer Sebastian De La Cruz will perform the national anthem, returning after his first-round appearance.
How to watch tonight’s game
Tonight’s Game 1 will be broadcast on NBC Sports Network and streamed live on Peacock. You can also hear the game on these radio stations: 1200 AM, 1350 AM (Spanish), 107.5 FM.
The game tips off at 8:30 p.m. CT.
Spurs feel prepared for Anthony Edwards’ surprise return in Game 1
Whether star Anthony Edwards is in the lineup or not, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson sees the Timberwolves as a team built around aggression, athleticism and physicality. But as San Antonio returns to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2017, Johnson said he’s happy Edwards will be in Minnesota’s rotation, and he’s been bracing the Spurs for the challenge.
“A player that level, in a way, takes a lot of the thinking out, because there are only a handful of players in this league to that level, so you know their game,” Johnson said. “It’ll be fun to compete against him. I’m glad he’s playing.”
The last time Edwards was in the Frost Bank Center, he exploded for a career-high 55 points on Jan. 17, but the Spurs came away with the 126-123 win.
Spurs’ Mitch Johnson, on prep for Anthony Edwards: “A player that level, in a way, takes a lot of the thinking out, because there are only a handful of players in this league to that level, so you know their game. … It’ll be fun to compete against him. I’m glad he’s playing.” pic.twitter.com/az0aR1GZVv
— Spurs Nation (@ Spurs_Nation) May 5, 2026
Anthony Edwards is ‘in,’ T’Wolves coach says
After reports circulated that Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards was expected to play in tonight’s series opener, Timberwolves Head Coach Chris Finch confirmed the guard would make his return from injury.
Edwards was seen warming up ahead of the game, a smile spread across his face. Finch said the four-time All-Star was motivated to return from his knee injury after the Wolves beat Denver in the first round.
Minnesota coach Chris Finch, on Anthony Edwards returning tonight: “He loves to play the game. We dodged a bullet when it happened … He was super motivated by the fact that we were able to get that first series, and I think that was a little bit of an inspiration for him, too.” pic.twitter.com/lfvCb18m16
— Spurs Nation (@ Spurs_Nation) May 5, 2026
Anthony Edwards is “in,” Chris Finch said.
“He loves to play the game,” the coach said, adding that the four-time All-Star was motivated to return from his knee injury after the Wolves beat Denver in the first-round.
Finch said Edwards will be on a minutes restriction.
— Tom Orsborn (@ tom_orsborn) May 5, 2026
By Greg Luca, Staff Writers, via San Antonio Express-News