SAN ANTONIO – Anthony Edwards returned from a two-game injury absence with an electric performance Saturday night, Jan. 17. Unfortunately for the Timberwolves, it wasn’t enough.
Victor Wembanyama had 39 points and nine rebounds, corralling a critical offensive rebound in the final seconds that enabled the San Antonio Spurs to fend off Edwards’ career-high 55 points and beat the Wolves 126-123 at Frost Bank Center.
Edwards scored 26 points in the fourth quarter. He shot 8-for-12 from the floor in the period, including 5-for-7 from three-point range.
“Phenomenal,” Wolves coach Chris Finch said in his postgame news conference, adding, “Made big shot after big shot. He was inspirational tonight.”
But the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama had enough answers to counter Edwards, scoring 12 points in the fourth quarter, including 3-for-3 on three-pointers. The Wolves were shorthanded on defense: Not only did fellow Frenchman Rudy Gobert (left hip contusion) not play, but replacement starting center Naz Reid played only 5 minutes because of a left shoulder injury.
Donte DiVincenzo’s three-pointer put the Wolves up 119-118 with 1:03 remaining. Wembanyama responded with a 20-footer and then blocked Joan Beringer’s reverse layup 13 seconds later to preserve the one-point lead. Keldon Johnson then hit a three-pointer with the shot clock winding down to put the Spurs ahead 123-119 with 17.3 seconds to play.
Edwards wasn’t done, hitting a three with 11.8 seconds left. San Antonio’s Julian Champagnie missed two free throws with 4 seconds left and the Wolves down two, but Wembanyama grabbed the rebound and made one of two free throws before a desperation heave by the Wolves missed.
“We fought great,” Finch said. “I always believe in our team’s fight. I knew we’d come back. We’ve done it against this team time and again. The key is not to get down so big against them.”
