The Minnesota Timberwolves fell 126-123 to the San Antonio Spurs Saturday at Frost Bank Center, with veteran Mike Conley highlighting his team’s resilience.
“This team fought hard. It was just really finding energy,” Conley said, describing how Minnesota struggled early but rallied in the second half.
He explained the turnaround came in the third quarter. “The third quarter, we started off with the right mindset and the right energy level. Guys started playing better. I think Ant being the one that kind of started the run and everybody kind of followed him.”
Conley praised Anthony Edwards for setting the tone. “When you got somebody playing that high level…they rub off on everybody else, and we just kind of try to lift up the rest of the team with that,” he said.
The Timberwolves star poured in 55 points, including 26 in the fourth quarter, pushing Minnesota to a temporary lead late in the game. Donte DiVincenzo hit a critical three-pointer to put the visitors ahead 119-118 with just over a minute remaining.
Conley also highlighted the impact of Spurs guard Stephon Castle. “Steph, man, he’s got a lot of game and I really do like his game. He plays both ends of the floor…very mature for his age, very athletic, strong, and finds his teammates for open looks.”
Despite Wembanyama’s 39 points and clutch offensive rebound in the closing seconds, Conley emphasized his team’s fight. “Just call back…they came at us and got a good lead in that first half, but we found our level and competed down the stretch,” he said.
De’Aaron Fox supported Minnesota with 25 points and 12 assists, repeatedly creating open shots for teammates. Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels contributed 17 and 23 points, keeping the game close through four quarters.
San Antonio’s balanced attack included Keldon Johnson’s 20 points off the bench, while the Spurs dominated the second quarter 48-22, giving them a lead Minnesota could not fully overcome.
The Timberwolves drop to 27-15, remaining fourth in the Western Conference, while the Spurs improve to 28-13, tied for second. Minnesota travels to Utah on Tuesday, and San Antonio hosts the Jazz Monday.
