By Greg Luca, Staff Writers | San Antonio Express-News (SAEN), 2026-05-12 19:24:05
圣安东尼奥马刺队将在西部半决赛第五场对阵明尼苏达森林狼队。在系列赛战成 2-2 平的情况下，今晚比赛的胜者将有机会在第六场比赛中锁定一个西部决赛席位，届时他们将对阵卫冕冠军俄克拉荷马城雷霆队。以下是实时更新：
文班亚马率领马刺赢得第五场，大比分 3-2 领先森林狼
凭借回归的维克托·文班亚马 (Victor Wembanyama) 又一个高产的夜晚，马刺队重新夺回了西部半决赛的领先优势。周二在 Frost Bank 中心，马刺以 126-97 大胜森林狼，系列赛大比分取得 3-2 的领先。
在周日第四场失利中，文班亚马因高肘击中纳兹·里德 (Naz Reid) 在第二节被驱逐出场。今晚重返赛场的他全面爆发，砍下 27 分、17 个篮板、5 次助攻和 3 次盖帽，在攻防两端都统治了比赛。
马刺队在上半场一度建立起 18 分的领先优势。尽管森林狼队在第三节顽强反扑将比分扳平，但圣安东尼奥很快重新掌控了局面，在第四节初便领先 20 分，并在比赛末段将分差扩大到 30 分。
凯尔登·约翰逊 (Keldon Johnson) 得到 21 分，创下他今年季后赛的最佳表现，而德阿隆·福克斯 (De’Aaron Fox) 贡献 18 分，斯蒂芬·卡斯尔 (Stephon Castle) 得到 17 分，帮助圣安东尼奥顶住了明尼苏达球星安东尼·爱德华兹 (Anthony Edwards) 20 分的表现。
第六场比赛定于周五晚上 8:30 在明尼苏达进行。
此路不通
如果马刺队能守住胜果赢得第五场，凯尔登·约翰逊这次惊天动地的盖帽可能会被视为转折点。或者，至少它肯定会入选季后赛精彩集锦。
查看视频，由马刺播客 Silver & Black Coffee Hour 发布。
身高 6 英尺 6 英寸的约翰逊，在篮筐上方封盖了身高 7 英尺 1 英寸的森林狼中锋鲁迪·戈贝尔 (Rudy Gobert)。
霸气十足 pic.twitter.com/q4e7faJ6v1 https://t.co/9OcOSW5GjJ
— Silver & Black Coffee Hour (@ SlvrBlkCoffeeHr) 2026年5月13日
森林狼的艰难时刻
马刺队有时表现并不稳定，但一旦他们进入状态，那种势头足以将对手彻底击垮。
《圣安东尼奥快报》的马刺跟队记者杰夫·麦克唐纳 (Jeff McDonald) 在目睹了马刺在第三节末段的得分狂潮后，这样总结道。
“马刺会有低迷和起伏，但当他们打出气势时，感觉就像雪崩一样向对手滚滚而去，” 麦克唐纳在 X 上写道。
“第三节末段就是一个典型的例子。
“森林狼需要奋力反击。”
马刺会有低迷和起伏，但当他们打出气势时，感觉就像雪崩一样向对手滚滚而去。
第三节末段就是一个典型的例子。
森林狼需要奋力反击。
— Jeff McDonald (@ JMcDonald_SAEN) 2026年5月13日
约翰逊、哈珀助马刺重建领先优势
NBA 年度最佳第六人凯尔登·约翰逊正打出他季后赛以来表现最好的一场比赛，他已经砍下 16 分，帮助圣安东尼奥在第三节结束时以 91-73 重建领先。
约翰逊在常规赛作为板凳奇兵场均能贡献 13.2 分，但今晚之前他在季后赛场均仅得到 7.3 分。
迪伦·哈珀 (Dylan Harper) 在周二的第三节也为马刺替补席提供了火力，他在短短 64 秒内连得 6 分。
马刺在下半场惊魂后重新掌控局面
凯尔登·约翰逊在禁区内背身单打安东尼·爱德华兹并完成上篮，随后他对着 Frost Bank 中心的观众大声呐喊，在明尼苏达请求暂停时，赢得了当晚最响亮的欢呼声之一。
马刺队在上半场一度领先多达 18 分，但森林狼队在第三节开场几分钟内就扳平了比分。然而，斯蒂芬·卡斯尔随后连得 8 分，使他的个人得分达到 13 分，在第三节过半后将圣安东尼奥的领先优势重新扩大到 9 分。
“老帅”亲临现场
前任主教练、现任马刺篮球事务总裁格雷格·波波维奇 (Gregg Popovich) 也现场观看了今晚的比赛。这位五届冠军得主、NBA 名人堂成员被拍到在包厢内观看比赛。
马刺传奇人物现身第五场现场
pic.twitter.com/6CkcPTuWfc
— NBA (@ NBA) 2026年5月13日
森林狼在第三节初缩小分差
圣安东尼奥带着两位数的领先优势进入第三节，但前五次投篮仅命中一球，并伴随两次失误，让明尼苏达在不到四分钟的时间里将比分追至 61-59。
森林狼球星安东尼·爱德华兹在上半场被限制在仅得 8 分，但下半场伊始已得到 4 分，明尼苏达在本节也投中了两个三分球。
马刺的进攻现在完全乱了套。从第二节末开始，他们最近 13 次投篮仅命中 1 球，让明尼苏达追到了只差两分。
— Jeff McDonald (@ JMcDonald_SAEN) 2026年5月13日
细节决定成败
在第五场上半场，防守端对细节的忽视成了森林狼队的致命伤。
这是跟队播客主持人丹尼·摩尔 (Dane Moore) 的评估。
“防守对位太重要了，森林狼在退防转换时不能对防守对象如此随意，” 摩尔在 X 上写道。
“那是常规赛的习惯，现在在季后赛让他们付出了代价，因为容错空间实在太小了。”
防守对位太重要了，森林狼在退防转换时不能对防守对象如此随意。
那是常规赛的习惯，现在在季后赛让他们付出了代价，因为容错空间实在太小了。
— Dane Moore (@ DaneMooreNBA) 2026年5月13日
Jackals 称他们展示了 NBA 史上最大的 Tifo
马刺队的 Jackals 球迷组织表示，他们展示了 NBA 历史上最大的 Tifo（巨幅助威海报），创造了历史。根据周二晚间的一条 X 帖子，这个球迷运营的账号表示，他们为马刺与森林狼的激烈对决“祭出了大杀器”。“圣安东尼奥，我们已进入战斗状态！！！准备好制造噪音，”帖子写道。
为了制作这个 Tifo，Jackals 邀请了圣安东尼奥艺术家谢克·维加 (Shek Vega) 协助，他是圣安东尼奥街头艺术组织及其他多项艺术家倡议的联合创始人。“感谢 @Ledger 和 @spurs 以及艺术家谢克·维加帮助我们揭幕了 NBA 史上最大的 TIFO！！”
你们要求的——我们送达。NBA 史上最大的 TIFO https://t.co/t9pvO9GgVS
— Spurs Jackals (@ SpursJackals) 2026年5月13日
尽管裁判努力控制，第五场身体对抗依然激烈
就在上一场比赛中，纳兹·里德因遭到文班亚马肘击导致后者被判二级恶意犯规并驱逐，而在周二的第二节比赛中，里德因在一次罚球命中后回推文班亚马而被判技术犯规。
在这个身体对抗极其激烈的系列赛中，马刺主帅米奇·约翰逊 (Mitch Johnson) 和部分球员曾质疑裁判对比赛的处理。在第五场上半场，两队共被吹罚了 23 次犯规。圣安东尼奥的斯蒂芬·卡斯尔和明尼苏达的杰登·麦克丹尼尔斯 (Jaden McDaniels) 各自领到 3 次犯规。
裁判试图掌控比赛的努力无法掩盖文班亚马统治级的上半场表现，他狂砍 21 分、11 个篮板、2 次助攻和 2 次盖帽，带领马刺在半场结束时以 59-47 领先。
森林狼的文字游戏
《明尼苏达星坛报》在报道马刺与森林狼第五场比赛的实时标题中，玩了一把轻松的调侃：
“圣安东尼奥现场：森林狼试图在第五场‘肘’出重围击败圣安东尼奥。”
哈哈。作为双关语还不错，但也许有点太直白了？
《星坛报》的森林狼跟队记者克里斯·海因 (Chris Hine) 觉得挺好。他在 X 上发布了这个搞怪标题的截屏，并补充道：“给我们的标题编辑点赞。”
给我们的标题编辑点赞 pic.twitter.com/wUT0f1thGS
— Chris Hine (@ ChristopherHine) 2026年5月13日
马刺元老亲临现场
马刺传奇球星蒂姆·邓肯 (Tim Duncan)、马努·吉诺比利 (Manu Ginobili)、大卫·罗宾逊 (David Robinson)、安东尼奥·丹尼尔斯 (Antonio Daniels) 和肖恩·埃利奥特 (Sean Elliott) 均出席观看了第五场比赛。
吉诺比利、罗宾逊、埃利奥特和麦克丹尼尔斯出现在球馆的大屏幕上，引发了球迷的阵阵欢呼。邓肯是唯一尚未在观众面前露面的前马刺球星，不过他的出场时刻即将到来。
在第五场的一次暂停期间，吉祥物 Coyote 摘下眼睛送给了马刺传奇肖恩·埃利奥特。
关注 Frost Bank 中心的实时动态：https://t.co/BvUasgATqZ pic.twitter.com/J1QK9D6lBy
— San Antonio Express-News (@ ExpressNews) 2026年5月13日
蒂姆·邓肯一如既往地面无表情地出现在大屏幕上，而粉丝们则为他疯狂。他好像对任何事都表现得不那么兴奋。我觉得他和约基奇能成为最好的朋友，除了蒂姆喜欢车而约基奇喜欢马。
— Nick Talbot (@ NicholasRTalbot) 2026年5月13日
[犯规麻烦再次困扰卡斯尔](#foul-trouble strikes-again-for-castle-010748)
斯蒂芬·卡斯尔在第二节仅进行了约四分钟时，就在一次突破中领到了个人第三次犯规，这再次让他在第五场剩余时间里的出场安排成为疑问。
卡斯尔在圣安东尼奥对阵波特兰的首轮系列赛收官战，以及对阵明尼苏达的半决赛第一场中都曾犯满离场，他似乎还在努力适应季后赛更强的身体对抗。
“我觉得当我们尝试像他们对我们那样施加对抗时，判罚尺度并不一致，”卡斯尔本周表示。
马刺及 NBA 悼念今日逝世的现役与退役球员
在 Frost Bank 中心第五场开球前，圣安东尼奥马刺队悼念了两位突然离世的深受喜爱的 NBA 球员——布兰登·克拉克 (Brandon Clarke) 和杰森·科林斯 (Jason Collins)。
克拉克年仅 29 岁，在他七年的 NBA 职业生涯中一直效力于孟菲斯灰熊队。据《Athletic》报道，他被形容为拥有“温暖、善良的灵魂”。灰熊队代表在给该媒体的声明中表示，他们对“布兰登·克拉克的悲痛离世感到心碎”。据报道，他的死因仍在调查中。
47 岁的杰森·科林斯在与脑癌的持续斗争中去世，他在 9 月份宣布了这一病情。他是一名资深的 NBA 中锋，曾在 2013 年创造历史，成为美国四大职业体育联盟中首位公开出柜的男性运动员。NBA 代表表示，他们“对过去八个月里涌现的爱与祈祷，以及杰森从医生和护士那里获得的卓越医疗照顾深表感激。我们的大家庭将深深怀念他”。
尽管文班爆发，明尼苏达在首节依然紧咬比分
在维克托·文班亚马在场的时间里，马刺队比森林狼队多赢了 13 分，但明尼苏达在他下场休息期间追回了一些失分，首节结束时圣安东尼奥仅以 34-30 领先。
文班亚马在 9 分钟内已经得到 18 分和 6 个篮板，但马刺队其他人的投篮表现挣扎，首节罚丢了四个球。
罚球再次成为马刺开局的软肋。如果他们七次罚球全中，现在依然能保持两位数的领先。
丢了四个，领先六分。
— Jeff McDonald (@ JMcDonald_SAEN) 2026年5月13日
来自日本的马刺铁粉
冈谷太郎 (Taro Okotani) 为周二晚的第五场比赛从日本飞行数千英里赶来，延续了他从 90 年代初在电视上看大卫·罗宾逊打球时开始的马刺情缘。
如今，冈谷太郎到访圣安东尼奥看球已有 20 多年。他说这次行程包括了在 Frost Bank 中心的第一场和第二场、第三场的观赛派对，以及在明尼苏达观看的第四场，随后又赶回参加周二晚的对决。他还提到，日本的一群马刺球迷在季后赛期间创建了他们自己的迷你版 Jackals 助威团。
在第五场开始前，冈谷太郎表示他期待文班亚马和圣安东尼奥马刺队在周日失利后做出回应。“我期待看到一个愤怒的维克托，”他说。“我期待马刺队能充满活力地出战并赢得这场比赛。”
马刺球员入场穿搭
一些马刺球员以犀利的时尚感走过 Frost Bank 中心标志性的入场通道，而另一些人则选择了更低调、随性的风格。以下是八位马刺球星在抵达这场关键季后赛时的穿搭。
文班亚马助马刺火热开局
在周日被驱逐前的 12 分钟里仅得到 4 分 4 篮板后，文班亚马在第五场开局手感火热，并以一记势大力沉的扣篮迫使明尼苏达请求暂停。
在开场的前六分钟里，文班亚马完全掌控了局势，砍下 16 分、5 个篮板和 1 次助攻，8 投 6 中，其中三分球 3 投 2 中。在他本场比赛的第一段出场时间里，他包揽了马刺队一半以上的投篮，弥补了第四场因肘击纳兹·里德颈部被驱逐而损失的时间。
裁判在第五场开局便试图掌控局面
在马刺主帅米奇·约翰逊表达了对文班亚马每晚面临的“令人作呕”的身体对抗强度的担忧后，周二第五场的裁判似乎想在开场就控制比赛节奏，在前两分钟内吹罚了四次犯规。
明尼苏达的鲁迪·戈贝尔因在文班亚马早期的一次三分尝试中侵犯其落地空间而被判一级恶意犯规。这次违规的处罚力度不及文班亚马周日的二级恶意犯规（那次导致了直接驱逐）。
以下是马刺球员在周二第五场热身时的球鞋选择
在周二晚上对阵明尼苏达森林狼的第五场比赛前，马刺球员在场上展示了不少亮眼的球鞋。
以下是几位马刺球员在热身时脚下的战靴：
斯蒂芬·卡斯尔 —— Jordan Tatum 4 篮球鞋
迪伦·哈珀 —— Nike G.T. Cut 篮球鞋
朱利安·尚帕尼 (Julian Champagnie) —— Nike Kobe 4 Protro
德阿隆·福克斯 —— Under Armour Fox 3
卡特·布莱恩特 (Carter Bryant) —— Air Jordan 14 “Ferrari”
德文·瓦塞尔 (Devin Vassell) —— Nike Book 2 “Bad Boys” PE
维克托·文班亚马 —— Nike Air Zoom GT Hustle 3 LX “Black Label”
波波维奇仍在提供宝贵的指导与见解
前任主教练格雷格·波波维奇依然经常出现在训练和录像课上。前锋德文·瓦塞尔表示，在与明尼苏达森林狼进行的这轮激烈的系列赛中，波波维奇给了这支马刺队很大的帮助。
“你谈论的是史上最伟大的教练，他能坐在这里告诉你他经历过的往事或他所看到的细节，”瓦塞尔说。“那是无与伦比的。”
福克斯、哈珀可在第五场出战
马刺队在开球前不久宣布，后卫德阿隆·福克斯和迪伦·哈珀均可在周二的第五场比赛中出战。
福克斯（右踝酸痛）和哈珀（左膝酸痛）此前在 Frost Bank 中心晚上 7 点对阵森林狼的比赛出战状态均为出战成疑。
两人是圣安东尼奥在周日 109-114 失利中的最高得分手，各自砍下 24 分。
马刺宣布，福克斯（右踝酸痛）和哈珀（左膝酸痛）的状态已从出战成疑升级为可以出战。
— Tom Orsborn (@ tomorsborn.bsky.social) 2026年5月12日 下午 6:28
文班亚马将在第四场驱逐后重返赛场
随着马刺与森林狼的西部半决赛在周二回到圣安东尼奥进行第五场对决，所有目光都将集中在维克托·文班亚马身上。
在身体对抗日益激烈的系列赛中，文班亚马在第四场第二节初因在争抢篮板时肘击纳兹·里德的颈部，被判二级恶意犯规而遭驱逐。
裁判如何控制身体对抗，以及文班亚马如何回应明尼苏达的各种挑衅，可能成为决定这轮目前 2-2 平局系列赛走向的关键。比赛定于晚上 7 点开球。
“我期待维克托能以正确的方式对待并投入比赛，就像他一直以来做的那样，”马刺主帅米奇·约翰逊表示。“我期待他能展现出极大的沉着、冷静、成熟和执行力。”
马刺主帅米奇·约翰逊谈文班亚马的回归及对判罚的担忧：“我期待维克托能以正确的方式对待并投入比赛，就像他一直以来做的那样。我期待他能展现出极大的沉着、冷静、成熟和执行力。” pic.twitter.com/oJqEeDhvTN
— Spurs Nation (@ Spurs_Nation) 2026年5月12日
如何通过电视观看比赛
马刺队定于今晚 7 点在 Frost Bank 中心开球。比赛将通过 NBC 频道进行无线转播，并在 Peacock 平台进行实时流媒体直播。您也可以通过 1200 AM、1350 AM（西班牙语）和 107.5 FM（西班牙语）电台收听广播。
约翰逊称福克斯、哈珀将在赛前决定是否出场
马刺主帅米奇·约翰逊在第五场开球前约 90 分钟表示，德阿隆·福克斯和迪伦·哈珀在周日比赛受伤后，都将在周二赛前决定是否出场。
福克斯正遭受右踝酸痛困扰，而哈珀因左膝酸痛于周二被列入伤病名单。两名球员此前均被列为出战成疑。
在文班亚马因第四节被驱逐而缺席大部分比赛的情况下，哈珀和福克斯在 109-114 的失利中并列成为圣安东尼奥的最高得分手，各得 24 分。
马刺主帅米奇·约翰逊谈德阿隆·福克斯和迪伦·哈珀的伤情更新：“他们正在进行赛前热身，看看感觉如何。我知道他们在坚持。如果可以的话，他们会披挂上阵。但显然，我们必须确保在必要时阻止他们带伤硬拼。” pic.twitter.com/fHi7TXC7rt
— Spurs Nation (@ Spurs_Nation) 2026年5月12日
马刺现场解说将演唱国歌
马刺队电视现场解说雅各布·托比 (Jacob Tobey) 将在今晚演唱国歌。他还希望能让全场观众也参与其中。
29 岁的托比此前曾在 4 月份马刺对阵费城 76 人队的“美洲原住民遗产之夜”演唱过《星条旗》。托比是马什皮万帕诺亚格部落 (Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe) 的成员。
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 live blog: Wembanyama drives Spurs to Game 5 win
Spurs live blog: Wembanyama drives Spurs to Game 5 win
The San Antonio Spurs are taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals. With the series tied at 2-2, the winner of tonight’s game will have a chance in Game 6 to clinch a spot in the Western Conference finals, where they’ll meet defending NBA champions the Oklahoma City Thunder. Follow along for live updates:
Wembanyama drives Spurs to Game 5 win, 3-2 series lead over Timberwolves
Behind another prolific night from a returning Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs reclaimed the lead in the Western Conference semifinals, beating the Timberwolves 126-97 on Tuesday in the Frost Bank Center to take a 3-2 edge in the series.
Back in action after being ejected from the second quarter of Sunday’s Game 4 loss when he hit Naz Reid with a high elbow, Wembanyama erupted for 27 points, 17 rebounds, five assists and three blocks, asserting control of the game on both ends.
The Spurs built an 18-point lead in the first half, and though the Wolves rallied to force a tie in the third quarter, San Antonio quickly regained control, going up by 20 points early in the fourth quarter and stretching the margin as large as 30 down the stretch.
Keldon Johnson scored 21 points to mark his best game of the playoffs, while De’Aaron Fox added 18 and Stephon Castle had 17 to help San Antonio survive a 20-point game from Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards.
Game 6 is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Friday in Minnesota.
Return to sender
If the Spurs hang on to win Game 5, it’s possible this thunderous block by Keldon Johnson will be seen as a turning point. Or, at the very least, as a shoo-in for playoff highlight reels.
Check out the video posted by Silver & Black Coffee Hour, a Spurs podcast.
Johnson, who stands six-foot-six, stuffs seven-foot-one Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert at the rim.
WITH PURE VENOM pic.twitter.com/q4e7faJ6v1 https://t.co/9OcOSW5GjJ
— Silver & Black Coffee Hour (@ SlvrBlkCoffeeHr) May 13, 2026
Rocky road for Wolves
The Spurs can be inconsistent, but when they get it going, their momentum can positively bury an opponent.
That’s how Jeff McDonald, Spurs beat writer for the San Antonio Express-News, summed it up after watching the Spurs go on a late-third-quarter scoring spree.
“The Spurs have their lulls and rocky moments, but when they get going, it can feel like an avalanche rolling downhill on opponents,” McDonald wrote on X.
“The end of the third quarter was a prime example.
“Wolves will need to fight back.”
The Spurs have their lulls and rocky moments, but when they get going, it can feel like an avalanche rolling downhill on opponents.
The end of the third quarter was a prime example.
Wolves will need to fight back.
— Jeff McDonald (@ JMcDonald_SAEN) May 13, 2026
Johnson, Harper help Spurs rebuild lead
Keldon Johnson, the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year, is having his best game of the playoffs, racking up 16 points to help San Antonio rebuild a 91-73 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Johnson entered the night averaging just 7.3 points per game in the playoffs after becoming a standout off the bench during the regular season, posting 13.2 points per night.
Dylan Harper also provided a spark off the bench for the Spurs during Tuesday’s third quarter, scoring six points in a span of just 64 seconds.
Spurs reassert control after second-half scare
After backing Anthony Edwards into the lane, Keldon Johnson finished a layup and then screamed to the Frost Bank Center crowd, drawing one of the loudest ovations of the night as Minnesota called timeout.
After the Spurs led by as many as 18 points in the opening half, the Timberwolves pulled into a tie within the first few minutes of the third quarter. But Stephon Castle ripped off eight quick points to give him 13 for the game, pushing San Antonio’s lead back to nine points just past the midway mark of the third quarter.
“El Jefe” is in the building
Gregg Popovich, former head coach and current president of Spurs basketball, is also in attendance for tonight’s game. The five-time champion and NBA Hall of Famer was seen in his suite viewing the game.
Spurs legends are in the building for Game 5
— NBA (@ NBA) May 13, 2026
Timberwolves cut into Spurs’ lead to open third quarter
Entering the third quarter with a double-digit lead, San Antonio hit just one of its first five shots with a pair of turnovers, allowing Minnesota to close the gap to 61-59 in less than four minutes.
Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards was limited to eight points in the first half but already has four in the second, and Minnesota has knocked down a pair of 3-pointers in the period.
Spurs’ offense is completely off kilter now. From the end of the second quarter, they’ve gone 1 for their last 13 to let Minnesota scratch within two points.
— Jeff McDonald (@ JMcDonald_SAEN) May 13, 2026
Details, details
Inattention to detail on the defensive end of the court proved the Timberwolves’ undoing in the first half of Game 5.
That’s the assessment of Dane Moore, a podcaster who tracks the team.
“Defensive matchups are way too important for the Wolves to be this casual about who they’re guarding when transitioning back on defense,” Moore wrote on X.
“That’s a regular season habit that now costs them in the postseason because the margin for error is just way smaller.”
Defensive matchups are way too important for the Wolves to be this casual about who they’re guarding when transitioning back on defense.
That’s a regular season habit that now costs them in the postseason because the margin for error is just way smaller.
— Dane Moore (@ DaneMooreNBA) May 13, 2026
Jackals say they displayed largest tifo NBA has seen
The Spurs’ Jackals fan group says they’re making history by rolling out the largest tifo, or display, the NBA has ever seen. According to a Tuesday night X post, the fan-run account said they “brought out the big guns” for the Spurs’ heated matchup against the Timberwolves. “WE ARE LOCKED IN SAN ANTONIO!!! Ready to make noise,” the post read.
To create the tifo, or large choreographed visual display, the Jackals enlisted the help of San Antonio-based artist Shek Vega, who co-founded San Antonio Street Art and several other artist-led initiatives. “Thank you @Ledger and the @spurs as well as artist Shek Vega for helping us unveil the largest TIFO the NBA HAS EVER SEEN!!”
Y’all asked - we delivered. LARGEST TIFO IN NBA HISTORY https://t.co/t9pvO9GgVS
— Spurs Jackals (@ SpursJackals) May 13, 2026
Chippy play continues despite referees’ best efforts in Game 5
One game after taking an elbow from Victor Wembanyama that led to a flagrant foul penalty 2 and an ejection, Naz Reid was assessed a technical foul for a return shove to Wembanyama following a made free throw during Tuesday’s second quarter.
In a physical series that has led Spurs coach Mitch Johnson and some of the players to question the officials’ handling of the matchup, the teams were whistled for a combined 23 fouls in the first half of Game 5. San Antonio’s Stephon Castle and Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels picked up three each.
The referees’ effort to take control of the game could not overshadow a dominant first half for Wembanyama, who poured in 21 points with 11 rebounds, two assists and two blocks to push the Spurs to a 59-47 lead at the break.
Wolves Word Play
The Minnesota Star Tribune indulged in some lighthearted needling with its choice of a headline for its live coverage of Game 5 between the Spurs and Timberwolves:
“Live from San Antonio: Timberwolves try to elbow their way past San Antonio in Game 5.”
Ha ha. Not bad as puns go, but perhaps a trifle too obvious?
It was good enough for Chris Hine, Timberwolves beat writer for the Star Tribune. He posted a screengrab of the cheeky headline on X, and added, “Props to our headline writer.”
Props to our headline writer pic.twitter.com/wUT0f1thGS
— Chris Hine (@ ChristopherHine) May 13, 2026
Spurs royalty is in the house
Spurs legends Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, David Robinson, Antonio Daniels, and Sean Elliott are in attendance for Game 5.
Ginóbili, Robinson, Elliott, and McDaniels were shown on the arena’s Jumbotron, causing a roar from fans. Duncan is the lone former Spurs not shown to the crowd yet; however, his time is coming.
The Coyote removed his eyes and gave them to Spurs legend Sean Elliott during a Game 5 timeout.
Follow along from the Frost Bank Center: https://t.co/BvUasgATqZ pic.twitter.com/J1QK9D6lBy
— San Antonio Express-News (@ ExpressNews) May 13, 2026
Tim Duncan as usual emotionless on the tron as fans go nuts for him. He never looks stoked for anything. I feel like him and Jokic could be best friends except Tim likes Cars and Jokic likes horses
— Nick Talbot (@ NicholasRTalbot) May 13, 2026
Foul trouble strikes again for Castle
Stephon Castle picked up his third foul of the game on a drive to the basket only about four minutes into the second quarter, once again putting his availability in question as the Spurs navigate the rest of Game 5.
Castle fouled out of San Antonio’s first-round series finale against Portland and Game 1 of the conference semifinals series against Minnesota, struggling to calibrate to the enhanced physicality of the playoffs.
“I feel like when we try to be as physical as they are with us, it doesn’t get called the same,” Castle said this week.
Spurs and the NBA honors current and former players who passed away today
Before the Game 5 tip off at the Frost Bank Center, the San Antonio Spurs honored two beloved NBA players who suddenly died – Brandon Clarke and Jason Collins.
Clarke, only 29 years old, spent his seven-year NBA career playing for the Memphis Grizzlies. He was described as a “warm, kind spirit,” the Athletic reported. In a statement to the outlet, Grizzlies representatives said they were “heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke.” His cause of death is reportedly still being investigated.
Jason Collins, 47, died amid an ongoing battle with brain cancer, which he announced in September. He was a longtime NBA center who made history in 2013 by becoming the first man playing in any of America’s four leading sports leagues to publicly come out as gay. Representatives for the NBA stated they were "grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly.
Despite Wemby’s outburst, Minnesota hangs tough in first quarter
The Spurs were 13 points better than the Timberwolves during Victor Wembanyama’s minutes on the floor, but Minnesota made up some ground during his stint on the bench, as San Antonio’s lead at the end of the first quarter is just 34-30.
Wembanyama already has 18 points and six rebounds in nine minutes, but the Spurs have otherwise struggled shooting, missing four first-quarter free throws.
Free throws failing the Spurs early again in this one. Had they made all of their seven attempts, they’d still be up double digits.
Missed four, up by six.
— Jeff McDonald (@ JMcDonald_SAEN) May 13, 2026
Spurs fan from Japan
Taro Okotani traveled thousands of miles from Japan for Tuesday night’s Game 5, continuing a Spurs fandom that started in the early 1990s while watching David Robinson on television.
Now, more than 20 years into visiting San Antonio for games, Okotani said this trip included Games 1 and 2 at Frost Bank Center, a Game 3 watch party and Game 4 in Minnesota before returning for Tuesday night’s matchup. He also said a group of Spurs fans in Japan created their own mini version of the Jackals supporters section during the playoffs.
Heading into Game 5, Okotani said he expects Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs to respond after Sunday’s loss. “I’m expecting an angry Victor,” he said. “I expect the Spurs to come out with a lot of energy and win this game.”
Spurs tunnel fashion
Some Spurs players strutted into the Frost Bank Center’s iconic fashion tunnel with a sharp sense of style, while others made sure their mood was more subtle and easygoing. Here’s what eight of San Antonio’s star players wore to when touching down at this pivotal Playoff game.
Wembanyama fuels hot start for Spurs
After posting just four points and four rebounds in 12 minutes before his ejection Sunday, Victor Wembanyama was on fire to start Game 5, punctuated with a thunderous dunk to force a Minnesota timeout.
Through six minutes, Wembanyama was in complete control, erupting for 16 points, five rebounds and an assist, knocking down 6 of 8 shots and hitting 2 of 3 from beyond the arc. He took more than half of the Spurs’ shots during his first stint in the game, making up for lost time after being ejected during the second quarter of Game 4 because of an elbow to Naz Reid’s neck.
Officials asserting control early in Game 5
After Spurs coach Mitch Johnson voiced concerns about the “disgusting” level of physicality Victor Wembanyama faces on a nightly basis, the officials for Tuesday’s Game 5 seemed to want to control the flow early, whistling four fouls in the first two minutes.
Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert was assessed a flagrant 1 for impeding Wembanyama’s landing space on an early 3-point attempt. The infraction will not carry the same penalty as Wembanyama’s flagrant 2 penalty from Sunday, which led to an ejection.
Here’s what Spurs players wore on their feet during Tuesday’s Game 5 warmups
The Spurs brought plenty of sneaker heat to the court Tuesday night ahead of Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Here’s a look at what several Spurs players were wearing on their feet during warmups:
Stephon Castle — Jordan Tatum 4 basketball shoes
Dylan Harper — Nike G.T. Cut basketball shoes
Julian Champagnie — Nike Kobe 4 Protro
De’Aaron Fox — Under Armour Fox 3
Carter Bryant — Air Jordan 14 “Ferrari”
Devin Vassell — Nike Book 2 “Bad Boys” PE
Victor Wembanyama — Nike Air Zoom GT Hustle 3 LX “Black Label”
Pop still providing valuable mentorship, insights
Former Head Coach Gregg Popovich remains a fixture at practices and film sessions and has helped these Spurs a lot amid a hotly contested series with the Minnesota Timberwolves, forward Devin Vassell said.
“You’re talking about the greatest coach pretty much of all time to be able to sit here and tell you the experiences he’s been through or what he’s seen,” Vassell said. “That’s second to none.”
Fox, Harper will be available for Game 5
Spurs guards De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper will both be available for Tuesday’s Game 5, the team announced shortly before tipoff.
Fox (right ankle soreness) and Harper (left knee soreness) were both listed questionable for the matchup with the Timberwolves at 7 p.m. in the Frost Bank Center.
The duo ranked as San Antonio’s leading scorers in Sunday’s 114-109 loss, scoring 24 points each.
Fox (right ankle soreness) and Harper (left knee soreness) have been upgraded from questionable to available, Spurs announce.
— Tom Orsborn (@ tomorsborn.bsky.social) May 12, 2026 at 6:28 PM
Wembanyama set to return for Spurs following Game 4 ejection
As the Spurs’ Western Conference semifinals series shifts to San Antonio for Game 5 on Tuesday, all eyes will be on Victor Wembanyama.
In a series that has grown increasingly physical, Wembanyama was ejected early in the second quarter of Game 4 after earning a flagrant 2 penalty for elbowing the Timberwolves’ Naz Reid in the neck during a battle for a rebound.
How officials police the physicality, and how Wembanyama responds to any jabs from Minnesota, could prove pivotal in deciding which side pulls ahead in a series that sits tied at 2-2. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
“I expect Victor to have the proper approach and attack the game as he’s always done,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson. “I expect him to play with an extreme amount of poise, composure, maturity and execution.”
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson on Victor Wembanyama handling his return and concerns about officiating: “I expect Victor to have the proper approach and attack the game as he’s always done. I expect him to play with an extreme amount of poise, composure, maturity and execution.” pic.twitter.com/oJqEeDhvTN
— Spurs Nation (@ Spurs_Nation) May 12, 2026
How to watch the game on TV
The Spurs are set to tip off at 7 p.m. tonight at the Frost Bank Center. The game will be televised over the air on NBC and streamed live on Peacock. You can also listen to the broadcast on the radio via stations 1200 AM, 1350 AM (Spanish) and 107.5 FM (Spanish).
Johnson says Fox, Harper will be game-time decisions
De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper will both be game-time decisions on Tuesday after suffering injuries during Sunday’s matchup, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said about 90 minutes before Game 5 tipoff.
Fox is nursing right ankle soreness, while Harper was added to the injury report Tuesday due to left knee soreness. Both players were listed as questionable.
With Victor Wembanyama sidelined for most of Game 4 following a second-quarter ejection, Harper and Fox finished as San Antonio’s two leading scorers in the 114-109 loss, tallying 24 points each.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson with injury updates on De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper: “They’re going through pregame and going to see how they feel. I know they’re fighting. If they can, they’ll suit up. But have to make sure, obviously, that we save them from themselves, also.” pic.twitter.com/fHi7TXC7rt
— Spurs Nation (@ Spurs_Nation) May 12, 2026
Spurs play-by-play announcer to sing national anthem
Spurs TV play-by-play announcer Jacob Tobey will perform the national anthem tonight. He’ll look to get the crowd involved as well.
Tobey, 29, previously sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” in April on Native American Heritage Night before the Spurs faced the Philadelphia 76ers. Tobey is a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.
By Greg Luca, Staff Writers, via San Antonio Express-News