The Minnesota Timberwolves were overwhelmed 133–95 by the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night at Frost Bank Center, a result that evened the Western Conference semifinal series at 1-1 and marked the franchise’s worst postseason defeat.
Victor Wembanyama finished with 19 points and 15 rebounds, while Minnesota struggled to match San Antonio’s pace and physicality from the opening minutes.
Rudy Gobert did not hide the tone of the night when addressing the performance, stating, “I wouldn’t say it’s easier. It’s 1-1 obviously. But a lot of things to look at, a lot of things that we need to do better, and we got to respond in game three.”
He pointed directly to the lack of early intensity, saying, “For sure. For sure, that’s one of them. They jumped us from the start and our response was more one on one and wasn’t a physical response.”
Gobert also linked Minnesota’s offensive issues to its defensive collapse, explaining, “Our offense hurt our defense for sure. They got a lot of transition and that gets them going.”
The Spurs’ early pressure and Minnesota’s mistakes created a chain reaction that quickly shifted control of the game. Gobert highlighted the impact of fouls and turnovers, adding, “Transition for sure. And like I said, lots of fouls. They shot 33 free throws. Lots of fouls, a lot of transition points and turnovers.”
San Antonio’s ability to turn defense into offense repeatedly kept Minnesota on the back foot, with Gobert stressing the broader breakdown by saying, “We just got beat in every way possible. It’s as simple as that. There’s not really much to say from this game.”
The Timberwolves center emphasized the need for adjustment heading into Game 3, pointing to preparation and spacing under pressure, saying, “Watch the film, see all the options, but got to be ready for it. Ready to make the right play and ready to space for each other.”
Gobert also acknowledged Victor Wembanyama’s influence on the game, noting, “I thought he was aggressive both games. He made a couple more shots tonight and he got some offensive rebounds too early. I think that got him going.”
Looking ahead to Minneapolis, Gobert referenced the importance of home energy, stating, “Amazing energy. Amazing energy and presence from the beginning to the end.”
Games 3 and 4 now shift to Minnesota, where the Timberwolves will try to stabilize a series that has already swung dramatically in both directions.
