Full Breakdown
Anthony Edwards’ Mid-Game Congratulation in Spurs Blowout
5/17/2026, 4:44:19 AM
Game-6 Elimination and Edwards’ Gesture
In Game 6 of Western Conference semifinals, San Antonio Spurs beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 139-109, clinching the series 4-2. With 8:01 left in fourth quarter and the Wolves down 33, guard Anthony Edwards walked to Spurs bench, dapped the staff, and told reporters he was tipping his hat to the Spurs, acknowledging they were the better team.
Game Statistics and Injuries
Spurs shot 56 % and 18-of-38 from three; Minnesota shot 38 % and 9-of-31. Edwards had 24 points on 9-of-26; Castle 32, Wembanyama 19. Minnesota lacked Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) and had Ayo Dosunmu (calf); Edwards played through a knee injury.
Official Reactions
Edwards said “didn’t build championship habits during regular season” and added, “I feel like we’re good,” no new star is needed. Coach Chris Finch said Wolves “ran out of bullets” and that “everything has to be clicking at right time.” Stephon Castle called the gesture cool, and Victor Wembanyama said Spurs remain “confident but keeping right confidence level” for conference finals.
Criticism from Former Players
Udonis Haslem said, “As great as Ant is as a basketball player, there’s still some growth for him… I would not have walked down there and shook their hand with eight minutes left.” Dirk Nowitzki added, “I’ve never seen this… too much for me.” Griffin noted respect should be shown “after the game, not in middle of it.”
Impact and Offseason Outlook
Loss heightens scrutiny of Minnesota’s roster. Free agents include Mike Conley, Joe Ingles, Kyle Anderson, Ayo Dosunmu and Bones Hyland. Conley ruled out retirement but his future Minnesota is uncertain. Front office must decide whether to keep core, add a star, or restructure around Edwards.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I just tip my hat to them. They’re just the better team,” — Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves guard
- “As great as Ant is as a basketball player, there's still some growth for him as well, because as a leader, I would not have walked down there and shook their hand.” — Udonis Haslem, former NBA player
- “A guy walking into the huddle with eight minutes to go in the fourth quarter and dapping up the entire team?” — Dirk Nowitzki, former NBA player
- “I’ve never seen that before. I do like what he said that he wants to give respect, but I think you wait and you have to take your licks at the end of the game like everybody else,” — Blake Griffin, former NBA player
What’s Next
Wolves will hold a review, address health concerns, and enter free-agency negotiations. Edwards’ remarks suggest he believes the current roster can compete, but organization must resolve depth and habit-building issues before 2026-27 season.
