Story perspectives

Timberwolves Edge Spurs; Wembanyama Sets Block Triple-Double

5/6/2026

Summary

Wolves Beat Spurs

Timberwolves beat Spurs 104-102 in Game 1 of Western Conference semifinals on May 4, 2026.
Victor Wembanyama set a playoff record with 12 blocks, adding 11 points, 15 rebounds and five assists for a blocks triple-double.
Coach Chris Finch said four blocks should have been goaltending, which would have added eight points to Minnesota.
The Wolves held on after Spurs guard Julian Champagnie missed a potential game-winning three-pointer as time expired.

Summary

Wembanyama Breaks Record

Victor Wembanyama posted 12 blocks, eclipsing the playoff record of Mark Eaton, Hakeem Olajuwon and Andrew Bynum, a record tracked only since 1973-74.
The 12-block performance produced a triple-double with blocks, a feat previously achieved by only two players.
He entered the playoffs as the NBA’s first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year.
Fox News launched audio versions of its sports stories, featuring a clip of Wembanyama’s post-game interview.

History

Historical Context

After the NBA began tracking blocks in 1973-74, Mark Eaton tied the playoff record with 10 blocks for the Utah Jazz in 1985. The 2026 playoffs renewed attention to double-digit block games, prompting teams across the league to value rim protection more highly and influencing contract negotiations for elite shot-blockers in the NBA.

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Wolves Beat Spurs

Timberwolves beat Spurs 104-102 in Game 1 of Western Conference semifinals on May 4, 2026.
Victor Wembanyama set a playoff record with 12 blocks, adding 11 points, 15 rebounds and five assists for a blocks triple-double.
Coach Chris Finch said four blocks should have been goaltending, which would have added eight points to Minnesota.
The Wolves held on after Spurs guard Julian Champagnie missed a potential game-winning three-pointer as time expired.

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