Victor Wembanyama’s Return Powers Spurs to 3-2 Lead Over Timberwolves

In Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals, the San Antonio Spurs beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 126-97, taking a 3-2 series lead. Victor Wembanyama opened with 18 points in the first quarter and finished with 27 points, 17 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. The Spurs out-scored the Wolves in the paint 68-36 and shot 52.8 %.

The SourceHeavySports IllustratedNBC SportsBleacher Report

The series was tied 2-2 after Game 4, when Wembanyama was ejected for a Flagrant-2 foul after his elbow struck Naz Reid’s jaw. San Antonio lost that game 114-109. The NBA reviewed the incident and declined to suspend him for Game 5, clearing the way for his return.

Heavy

Victor Wembanyama anchored the Spurs, with coach Mitch Johnson lauding his maturity. Bench forward Keldon Johnson added 21 points; guards De’Aaron Fox (18 points, five assists) and Stephon Castle (17 points) also contributed. Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards led with 20 points; coach Chris Finch decried the defensive collapse, and Naz Reid was the focus of the prior ejection.

The Source

Wembanyama’s 27-17-5-3 line makes him the third-youngest player with at least 25 pts, 15 reb and 5 ast in a playoff game, behind Magic Johnson and Luka Doncic. He posted 18 points in the first quarter, the most by a Spurs player in a playoff quarter since 1998. The Spurs recorded a +24 plus-minus for Wembanyama and six players reached double figures, while Minnesota managed only 36 points in the paint.

Heavy

Johnson called Wembanyama’s performance “extremely mature,” emphasizing his composure amid Minnesota’s physical tactics. Vassell said the team needed an “upset Vic,” reflecting the emotional lift. Fox praised his resilience, noting he “didn’t falter whenever he got hit.” Finch admitted the defense “cratered” after a third-quarter run.

Heavy

Timberwolves forward Edwards lamented that “some of the stuff Wemby was doing, you don’t really have an answer for… just hope he misses.” Finch also cited lapses in “ball contain” as a defensive flaw.

Heavy

The 3-2 advantage puts San Antonio one win from its first Western Conference Finals since 2017. The Spurs are 16-3 in best-of-seven series when leading 3-2, giving them a strong chance to meet defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the next round.

Heavy

• “I think it’s super important for us the way we start the game, because it sets the tone,” — Victor Wembanyama, Spurs forward

NBC Sports

• “I feel like the rage baiting would have been maybe one of their strategies. So I feel like I need to stay composed as a team.” — Victor Wembanyama, post-game interview

Heavy

• “He is the most complete player we’ve ever seen play the game,” — Paul Pierce, former NBA star

Heavy

• “Some of the stuff Wemby was doing, you don't really have an answer for,” — Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves forward

Bleacher Report