Anthony Edwards returned earlier than expected and delivered a decisive impact as the Minnesota Timberwolves edged the San Antonio Spurs 104-102 in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on Monday at Frost Bank Center.
Despite finishing with 18 points in 25 minutes, Edwards focused more on late-game mistakes than the result after the narrow win.
“Oh man, I made so many mistakes at the end of the game. I’m disappointed in myself,” Edwards said.
He pointed to a breakdown in concentration during the final stretch, especially on the glass and in possession control.
“In the last two minutes of the game, it wasn’t. I gave up two offensive rebounds, turned the ball over. I’ll be better.”
Edwards revealed that his availability was never just physical, but also mental, especially after returning from injury earlier than expected.
“For me, 75% of the game is my mind. My mind got to be where it needs to be.”
The All-Star guard had missed expected time due to a bone bruise and knee hyperextension, but returned to help Minnesota take control of the series opener.
Despite the win, Edwards stressed that urgency and execution must improve moving forward.
“Especially myself, I can’t give up two offensive rebounds to Champagnie. I may not be as athletic as I usually am, but I got to be able to box out and make those small plays to win the big time games.”
San Antonio remained competitive throughout, with Victor Wembanyama delivering a historic defensive performance with 12 blocks, but Minnesota’s late execution proved decisive.
Edwards acknowledged the Spurs’ effort and the difficulty of the matchup, but emphasized Minnesota’s mindset under pressure.
“We just want to win ball games. That’s all we want to do as a group. No matter who it is, we don’t care. We want to embrace each other.”
He also pointed to the team’s internal chemistry as a key factor in surviving tight playoff moments.
“We got nothing but love for each other. We want to see all of us succeed.”
The Timberwolves nearly let the game slip late, as San Antonio cut the lead to two points in the final minute, but Minnesota held on after a missed Spurs three-pointer at the buzzer.
Edwards said the biggest takeaway from the opener was not the result, but the standard required in a long playoff series.
“This series feels like it’s going to be a fight all the way through. We just got to stay locked in on the game plan.”
He returned to one theme repeatedly when assessing Game 1: control of details, especially in possession battles.
“We got to be able to box out and make those small plays to win the big time games.”
Game 2 will again test Minnesota’s discipline, with San Antonio expected to lean further into its defensive identity after Wembanyama’s record-setting night at the rim.
