The Minnesota Timberwolves snatched a dramatic 104-102 road victory over the San Antonio Spurs on May 5, 2026, in a tightly contested National Basketball Association matchup that went down to the final seconds. The game, played at the Frost Bank Center, showcased the Timberwolves' resilience as they overcame a late Spurs surge to secure a crucial win in the playoff race.
Match Overview
The Timberwolves came out with energy from the opening tip, establishing an early lead through their dynamic wing play and interior scoring. The Spurs, however, responded with their trademark ball movement and timely three-point shooting, keeping the game within reach throughout the first half. The contest featured 11 lead changes and 8 ties, with neither team able to pull away by more than seven points.
Minnesota's defense tightened in the third quarter, forcing several San Antonio turnovers that led to fast-break points. The Timberwolves carried a 78-71 advantage into the final frame, but the Spurs mounted a furious comeback behind their bench unit, tying the game at 98-98 with 3:22 remaining.
Key Moments
- Clutch defense wins it: With the score tied at 102-102 and only 12 seconds left, Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards forced a tough contested jumper from Spurs star Victor Wembanyama that rimmed out.
- Game-winning free throws: Edwards was fouled on the ensuing rebound and calmly sank both free throws with 4.8 seconds left, giving Minnesota the 104-102 lead.
- Desperation miss: San Antonio's final possession saw a half-court heave by Devin Vassell fall short, sealing the Timberwolves' victory.
- Fourth-quarter surge: The Spurs' 31-24 advantage in the final period nearly erased Minnesota's lead, but the Timberwolves' defensive stands in the closing minute proved decisive.
Standout Players
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, including the game-winning free throws. His ability to draw fouls and convert at the line (10-of-11) was critical in the tight contest. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 22 points and 11 rebounds, providing a strong interior presence against San Antonio's frontcourt.
For the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama continued his stellar rookie campaign with 24 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocked shots. The 7-foot-4 phenom showcased his unique skill set, hitting three three-pointers while also protecting the rim effectively. Devin Vassell added 20 points and 6 assists, but his final missed three-pointer will be a lasting memory from this contest.
Season Impact
The victory improved Minnesota's record to 48-32, strengthening their position in the Western Conference playoff race. The Timberwolves' ability to win tight games on the road bodes well for postseason aspirations, as they have now won 12 of their last 15 games decided by six points or fewer.
San Antonio dropped to 42-38 with the loss, but remained firmly in the play-in tournament picture. The Spurs have shown significant improvement this season, and their competitive performance against a top-tier Western Conference opponent demonstrated their growth under head coach Gregg Popovich.

