The Minnesota Timberwolves were routed 133-95 by the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal series at Frost Bank Center on Wednesday night, evening the series at 1-1. The loss marked the franchise’s worst postseason defeat, with Minnesota unable to match San Antonio’s pace, execution, or physicality across four quarters.
Head coach Chris Finch did not soften his assessment after the game. “Well, I mean, they just kicked our butt in every aspect of the game tonight. Offensively, defensively, it didn’t matter. They took it to us. We didn’t really respond very well.”
Finch expanded on the lack of resistance from his group, pointing to a failure in competitiveness and execution. “For sure. Yeah, it was a very disappointing performance,” he said when asked about the team’s response to early pressure. The Wolves never recovered after falling behind big in the first half.
Jaden McDaniels was one of the few positives in Finch’s view despite foul trouble disrupting his rhythm. “Jaden was a bright spot for us,” Finch said. “A lot of the fouls that he picked up were fouls that he kind of was left on an island… We didn’t bring enough help. It certainly derailed his night.”
Anthony Edwards was also heavily addressed, with San Antonio’s defensive scheme shifting significantly after Game 1. “I didn’t like a lot of it. I didn’t like much of it,” Finch said of Minnesota’s response to early traps. “You got to get off of it, use it as a catalyst for ball movement… I thought we dribbled in tough spots.”
The head coach also diagnosed a broader offensive issue that has lingered in the series. “I think we got to go somewhere. We’re kind of dribbling and going nowhere. We’ve got to be able to punch gaps and play downhill.”
On Minnesota’s shooting profile, Finch shifted focus away from perimeter volume. “I wasn’t overly concerned about the threes. I’m more concerned about the free throws,” he said, referencing recent struggles at the line.
The transition gap told its own story, with San Antonio dominating fast-break production 29-5. Finch linked it directly to offensive breakdowns. “It’s vital, but the transition defense is a result of our poor offense, our shot selection, and our turnovers. Our offense has to help our defense in transition.”
Finch summarized the night with a final assessment that captured the tone of the locker room. “No, I just told them we just got punked.”
