Spurs Overpower Timberwolves to Take 3-2 Lead in Western Conference Semi-Finals

Wembanyama stars as Spurs rebound to beat Timberwolves

Victor Wembanyama scored 27 points and grabbed 17 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 126-97 in Game 5. The win gives the Spurs a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series, with Game 6 set for Friday in Minneapolis.

The French center bounced back from his Game 4 ejection with a dominant two-way performance to put San Antonio up 3-2...

The San Antonio Spurs took control with a dominant win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, moving 3-2 up in the series.

Victor Wembanyama poured in 27 points as the Spurs cruised to a 126-97 victory on Tuesday, putting them one win away from the NBA Western Conference finals.

The French star returned to the lineup after avoiding a suspension for his ejection in Game 4. He was tossed on Sunday for striking Minnesota’s Naz Reid in the throat with an elbow during a lopsided Spurs loss.

The 7ft 4in center made the most of his reprieve, dropping 16 points in a red-hot start to the first quarter that helped San Antonio jump out to a 24-9 lead.

Wembanyama ended with 27 points, 17 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks, delivering another all-around display at both ends.

The win puts San Antonio up 3-2 in the best-of-seven series, with Game 6 set for Friday in Minneapolis.

Wembanyama’s standout performance made the headlines, but San Antonio’s depth was once again the difference, with six players hitting double digits.

Keldon Johnson added 21 points, De’Aaron Fox chipped in 18, and point guard Stephon Castle finished with 17.

“We did what we were supposed to do at home,” Wembanyama told NBC. “We had to set the tone, we knew it was going to be a physical game.

“We won, so that's the point. But the job's not finished. We've got one more game to get to the conference finals.”

Wemby starred in Game 5!

27 PTS
17 REB (career-high in a postseason game)
5 AST
3 BLK

Spurs take a 3-2 series lead in the West Semis 🍿 pic.twitter.com/i8xNS0lNtV

— NBA (@NBA) May 13, 2026

Minnesota were left frustrated after failing to sustain their momentum following a strong third-quarter push.

Down 59-47 at the half, the Timberwolves opened the third on a 14-2 run to tie the game at 61-61.

The rally didn’t last long. San Antonio responded with another dominant stretch, regaining control and extending the lead to 91-73 by the end of the quarter.

The Spurs kept pouring it on in the fourth, outscoring Minnesota 35-24 to seal a convincing win.

final. pic.twitter.com/HBtzlXb1qp

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) May 13, 2026

Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 20 points, while Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle each finished with 17.