Wembanyama's 39-Point Performance Puts Spurs Ahead 2-1 in Playoffs

*TL;DR: Victor Wembanyama’s 39 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks powered San Antonio to a 115‑108 win, giving the Spurs a 2‑1 advantage in the second‑round series.

The Spurs reclaimed momentum in Game 3, matching Minnesota’s 115‑108 total while improving their shooting efficiency. San Antonio converted 6 of 10 three‑pointers in the third quarter, a key stretch that widened the gap after a sluggish start.

Wembanyama was the decisive factor. He made 13 of 18 field‑goal attempts and 10 of 12 free throws, adding five blocked shots that altered the Timberwolves’ interior game. His 39 points came on a balanced attack: 16 in the fourth quarter and a clutch three‑pointer that extended the lead to six with just over three minutes left.

Minnesota’s response centered on Anthony Edwards, who posted 32 points and 14 rebounds, and Naz Reid’s 18 points and nine rebounds. De’Aaron Fox contributed 17 points, while Stephon Castle recorded a double‑double with 13 points and 12 assists, posting the team‑high plus‑17 rating. Despite a strong finish, the Wolves could not overcome the Spurs’ consistent scoring and defensive pressure.

After the win, Wembanyama emphasized composure: “We had a lead. We didn’t need to rush. We needed to be consistent.” Coach Mitch Johnson kept the rookie on the floor for the majority of the game, only briefly benching him to manage foul risk. The strategy paid off, as Wembanyama’s presence forced Minnesota’s frontcourt—particularly Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle—to shoot 8 of 34 from the field.

The series now shifts back to Minnesota for Game 4 on Sunday, with the Timberwolves needing to tighten perimeter defense and improve shot selection. San Antonio will host Game 5 on Tuesday, where maintaining the defensive intensity that limited Minnesota’s interior scoring could be decisive.

What to watch next: Minnesota must contain Wembanyama’s rim protection while finding consistent scoring beyond the paint; the Spurs will look to sustain their balanced offense and avoid complacency as the series returns to a hostile arena.