Speaking to reporters after the Timberwolves were officially eliminated, McDaniels was remarkably candid about the physical impossibility of shooting over the young star. “Wemby is probably the greatest defender I ever played against. Him being so tall and so long, it was hard to get to the rim. That’s pretty much the most part,” McDaniels explained.

The Timberwolves’ forward noted that while he could technically reach his preferred areas on the floor, the sheer length of the Spurs‘ center made scoring nearly impossible. “I was able to get to my spots but playing Wemby, he’s huge. He’s so tall. He’s the greatest defender I ever played against,” he added, emphasizing the massive impact the Frenchman had on the series.

Timberwolves are open after playoff loss

Beyond the physical challenges on the court, McDaniels highlighted internal issues regarding the team’s “moodiness” that need to be addressed before next season. He suggested that players must learn to be happy for their teammates’ success even on off-nights, noting that being more together and selfless is the first step toward becoming a truly elite championship contender.

Naz Reid echoed these sentiments when discussing how Minnesota can catch up to dominant western powers like San Antonio and Oklahoma City in the near future. “Probably just the moodiness. You look at both of those teams and they’re playing for one another… I think we have more than enough talent… But just being less moody,” Reid remarked to the media.

The consensus in the locker room is that while the talent is undeniable, the mental fortitude and selflessness of the squad must improve to match their rivals. If the Timberwolves can successfully shed this inconsistent attitude and play with more joy for one another, they believe they have the necessary tools to finally overcome the defensive hurdles posed by stars like Wembanyama.

The veteran’s clarity regarding his future was shared by Christopher Hine on X, where he posted the guard’s definitive stance on retirement. “I think I might’ve proved to myself I can play a little longer,” Conley stated, a quote that quickly circulated among fans who were concerned that the 38-year-old might consider hanging up his jersey after this latest playoff run.

Conley has now spent parts of four seasons in Minnesota since being acquired via trade in 2023, becoming a vital mentor for the team’s younger core. Although his journey in 2026 was unique, including a brief stint being traded and eventually returning through the buyout market, he has solidified himself as a beloved leader in the locker room.

Conley’s long career stats

During the 2025-26 campaign, Conley adapted to a more specialized role, appearing in 54 regular-season games and averaging 4.5 points and 2.9 assists in about 18 minutes played. He remained a threat from deep, shooting nearly 34% from beyond the arc.

Over his 19-year NBA career, Conley has played in over 1,200 games and amassed more than 16,000 career points, a testament to his remarkable durability and consistent skill set. He entered the league as a top-four pick in 2007 and has maintained his reputation as one of the most respected floor generals in the game.

As he approaches unrestricted free agency this summer, there is a strong possibility of a reunion, especially with the Timberwolves facing several backcourt questions due to injuries and other departing free agents. Conley has expressed that he believes the current roster has enough talent to win it all.

Speaking during a broadcast on Prime Video, the Dallas Mavericks legend expressed his clear distaste for the display of overconfidence and early surrender. “I’ve watched the NBA and been a part of it for a long, long time, and I’ve never seen this. A guy walking into the huddle with eight minutes to go in the fourth quarter and dapping up the entire team?“ Nowitzki questioned.

The Hall of Famer felt that the gesture was disrespectful to the competitive nature of the postseason and the intensity expected during the conference semifinals. “Dapping up the entire team? Too much for me,” Dirk added, highlighting that while respect is important, giving up on a game while fans are still in their seats feels out of place in professional basketball.

Haslem joins the criticism

Udonis Haslem was another veteran voice who didn’t hold back when discussing the optics of Edwards‘ interaction with the Spurs’ bench while the game was still technically active. “As a leader, I would not have walked down there and shook their hands… with 8 mins left,” Haslem remarked, emphasizing that a franchise player should maintain a competitive fire until the final buzzer sounds.

Despite this controversial moment, Edwards has put up spectacular numbers throughout the 2025-26 season, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier scoring threats. He entered the postseason with high expectations, but his performance against the Spurs during the conference semifinals was a rollercoaster of good individual plays and frustrating team-wide inconsistencies.

Ultimately, while Edwards’ talent is top notch, his actions during the blowout loss have sparked a wider debate about leadership and maturity in the modern NBA. Navigating a playoff series against a disciplined San Antonio team requires focus for all 48 minutes.

By securing this critical series win, the team is now moving forward to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the highly anticipated Western Conference finals. This next round of the NBA playoffs will present an entirely new challenge for the Spurs, as they will have to start the series on the road at the Paycom Center.

The matchup features an exciting clash of styles, as the home-court advantage belongs to the top-seeded Thunder, who cruised through their own opening-round series with dominant performances against Lakers and Rockets. Starting the conference finals away from home means San Antonio must find a way to steal a victory in Oklahoma City to wrestling control of the series.

History of Spurs and Thunder in the playoffs

This upcoming series adds another exciting chapter to a deeply rooted postseason rivalry that dates back to when the franchise was still located in Seattle. The San Antonio Spurs actually lead the all-time playoff series head-to-head with a 19-15 record over the Thunder organization, a historical edge that brings plenty of intrigue and psychological advantage to this latest modern-day chapter.

While the historical numbers favor the postseason tradition of the Spurs, many analysts believe the reigning champion Thunder hold the best overall chances of advancing to the NBA Finals. Oklahoma City boasts a deeply experienced core that understands the exact physical toll of a deep playoff run.

The series will likely come down to how well the supporting cast can handle the intense pressure of a secondary playoff round. If San Antonio can maintain their hot perimeter shooting and defensive intensity on the road, they have a genuine chance to rewrite the historical script and cause a major upset.

The point guard is officially listed as questionable with right ankle soreness after getting hurt during Sunday’s 114-109 loss in Minneapolis, a result that evened the Western Conference semifinal series at 2-2.

Despite the injury, he stayed in Game 4 and finished with 24 points, fighting through visible discomfort after Minnesota guard Ayo Dosunmu landed awkwardly on his ankle during a loose-ball sequence in the third quarter.

How long is De’Aaron Fox’s recovery timeline?

De’Aaron Fox is currently considered day-to-day after suffering a right ankle injury during Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and there is no indication at this point that he will face a long-term absence.

He appeared to tweak the ankle during a loose-ball play in the third quarter of Sunday’s loss in Minneapolis, but he stayed in the game and finished with 24 points despite clearly being limited late in the fourth quarter.

The Spurs have been careful with injury designations throughout the postseason. His availability for Game 5 is expected to depend largely on pain tolerance, swelling, and pregame mobility tests rather than a strict medical timetable.

Ankle injuries can vary significantly in recovery time depending on the grade of the sprain. Mild sprains often require only a few days of rest and treatment, while more significant ligament damage can sideline players for weeks.

How has De’Aaron Fox performed this season?

De’Aaron Fox has remained one of the Spurs’ most important offensive players during the 2025-26 season, averaging 18.6 points and 6.2 assists per game while helping San Antonio emerge as a Western Conference contender.

He also shot nearly 49% from the field, continuing to be one of the league’s most efficient attacking guards. Since arriving in San Antonio, he has given the Spurs exactly what they lacked in previous seasons:

• elite pace
• shot creation
• veteran composure in late-game situations

His chemistry with Victor Wembanyama quickly became one of the team’s biggest strengths, especially in pick-and-roll actions where Fox’s speed constantly pressured opposing defenses.

His production increased during key stretches of the regular season and playoffs. Against the Trail Blazers in the opening round, he averaged 27 points per game while shooting efficiently from both the field and beyond the arc.

He also delivered several standout performances during San Antonio’s playoff run. In Game 4, he exploded for 28 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds in a dominant Spurs victory that gave the team a commanding series lead.

De’Aaron Fox’s achievements with the San Antonio Spurs

De’Aaron Fox has already helped transform the Spurs into a legitimate championship contender since arriving in San Antonio during the 2025 season. His arrival gave the franchise a proven All-Star-caliber guard capable of elevating the young core built around Victor Wembanyama.

One of the biggest milestones came shortly after his arrival, when he agreed to a massive four-year contract extension worth approximately $229 million to remain with the Spurs long term. The move signaled San Antonio’s commitment to building around the Fox-Wembanyama partnership for years to come.

On the court, he played a major role in helping the Spurs finish among the top teams in the Western Conference during the 2025-26 season. His leadership stabilized one of the NBA’s youngest rosters, and his playoff experience became especially valuable during high-pressure postseason games.

When asked about the possibility of Wembanyama being sidelined, Edwards admitted he might actually prefer seeing the big man on the court. “Honestly, I think it was kind of harder [without him]. Of course, they’re a really great team with him on the floor, but they play a lot slower when he’s out there because everything revolves around him,” Edwards told reporters.

It is a bold perspective considering Wembanyama is the league’s premier rim protector, averaging a staggering 4.4 blocks per game this postseason. However, “Ant-Man” may have a point; the Spurs’ offensive identity is so tethered to Wembanyama’s gravity that their pace noticeably shifts when he anchors the unit.

These comments follow Edwards’ earlier remarks prior to Game 4, where he emphasized his focus on cracking the code of the Spurs’ defensive scheme and finding a definitive way to neutralize Wembanyama for the remainder of the series.

Spurs clear Wembanyama for pivotal Game 5

Despite the uncertainty following his late-game exit in Game 4, a report has confirmed that Wembanyama will be available for Game 5. The star center was ejected in the previous contest following an altercation with Timberwolves‘ forward Naz Reid, sparking league-wide debate over a potential suspension that never materialized.

As both squads gear up for a pivotal tilt, Wembanyama continues to demonstrate a championship-level urgency. Now in his third NBA season, the young cornerstone appears singular in his focus: delivering a title to the San Antonio faithful.

Projected lineups for Game 5

With both Edwards and Wembanyama expected to lead their respective squads onto the floor, the supporting casts will be under the microscope. Both head coaches are facing a chess match as they look to adjust their rotations and find the tactical edge in a series that has become a defensive grind.

Here are the projected starting lineups for tonight’s Game 5:

• Spurs:
  • PG De’Aaron Fox
  • SG Dylan Harper
  • SF Stephon Castle
  • PF Keldon Johnson
  • C Victor Wembanyama

• Timberwolves:
  • PG Mike Conley
  • SG Anthony Edwards
  • SF Jaden McDaniels
  • PF Julius Randle
  • C Rudy Gobert

While the ejection was immediate, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, he will not be suspended. “There will be no further discipline for Spurs star Victor Wembanyama after he was ejected for elbowing Naz Reid in Minnesota on Sunday night,” Charania wrote on his X account.

The NBA utilizes a point system for flagrant fouls; an automatic one-game suspension is only triggered once a player exceeds three points in a single postseason. The official decision will be announced by NBA League Office, which conducted a formal review of the incident.

As the series heads back to the floor tied at 2-2, the looming decision hangs over both locker rooms. While Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves look to capitalize on the momentum, the Spurs will have their franchise cornerstone for Game 5, according to Charania.

Understanding the NBA’s flagrant point system

Wembanyama’s ejection sparked significant debate regarding his status for the next game. To understand why he wasn’t immediately barred from Game 5, it’s important to look at the postseason point structure:

• Flagrant 1: 1 point
• Flagrant 2: 2 points
• Automatic Suspensions: Triggered once a player exceeds 3 total points in a single postseason.

Wembanyama avoids suspension and fine

Wembanyama was widely expected to face disciplinary fines following his early exit in Game 4. However, the NBA League Office’s review ultimately ruled in favor of the Spurs’ cornerstone, as Charania reported that no financial penalties are expected for the star rookie.

As the Spurs fight to keep their deep playoff run alive in a crowded Western Conference, if they were losing their defense star for Game 5 that could have proven to be the turning point of the series.

After Game 3, Edwards was extremely candid when acknowledging the difficulty of trying to square up against the 7-foot-6 French phenom. “They got somebody who 7-6 on the floor. (Wemby) takes up a lot of space,” Edwards said. “Just trying to figure out ways to find an open man around him because in the paint, he’s just everywhere.”

This will be key for the Timberwolves to manage to beat the Spurs with Wembanyama, who is hungry to win the championship, something similar to the first game, where he was defensively neutralized, because yes, he ended up setting a blocks record, but in scoring, he finished well below expectations.

Edwards and Wembanyama’s game

As one would expect, they had no answer for the sheer dominance of Victor Wembanyama. Despite a strong showing by Anthony Edwards, 32 points and 14 rebounds, Wembanyama was the usual force that could not be stopped as he finished with a playoff career-high 39 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocks.

He shot 13-for-18 from the field, 3-for-5 from the 3-point line, and 10-for-12 from the free throw line. Wembanyama scored 16 of his 39 points in the fourth quarter.

In essence, Wembanyama changes the entire Timberwolves offense. He forces them to kick the ball out, limits driving attempts to the basket, and compels them to rush shots. Wemby became the fastest player to reach 100+ points and 30+ blocks in the NBA Playoffs. Meanwhile, Edwards is trying to persevere through these difficulties while recovering from a knee injury.

What is next for this series?

Game 4 will be held on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. CST/7:30 p.m. EST at Target Center in Minneapolis. We could be witnessing the beginning of the road to a series that will extend to a Game 7 for all NBA fans.

According to updated reports ahead of tip-off, the popular shooting guard is still managing a left knee bone bruise that has lingered since the previous playoff round, while Dosunmu continues to deal with right calf soreness.

The Minnesota Timberwolves head into Game 2 trying to build on their opening win, but all attention remains on Edwards’ status after he was able to return in Game 1 despite not being at full strength, logging limited minutes.

How and when did Anthony Edwards and Ayo Dosunmu get injured?

Anthony Edwards is currently managing a left knee bone bruise suffered during the previous round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, while Ayo Dosunmu is dealing with a right calf injury that has kept him in and out of the Timberwolves’ rotation.

Edwards originally picked up the injury in a physical postseason matchup against the Denver Nuggets. Despite that, he surprisingly returned in Game 1 of the series against San Antonio, logging limited minutes while still producing key scoring stretches.

Dosunmu’s situation has been more gradual, with calf soreness developing after heavy minutes earlier in the postseason. The issue escalated to the point where he missed multiple games, before being upgraded to a day-to-day status.

Minnesota has described his recovery as “maintenance-based”, meaning his availability depends heavily on how he responds during pregame testing.

How important are them for the Timberwolves roster?

Anthony Edwards is the clear franchise centerpiece for the Minnesota Timberwolves, serving as their primary scorer, offensive creator and emotional leader in high-pressure playoff situations.

His presence dramatically changes their ceiling, as he consistently draws defensive attention that opens space for teammates like Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert. When he is on the floor, Minnesota operates as a top-tier Western Conference contender.

Ayo Dosunmu, while not the franchise star, has become a crucial rotation piece during the postseason due to his scoring bursts and defensive versatility. His 40+ point playoff performance earlier in the run highlighted his ability to change games off the bench, making him a key X-factor in close matchups.

Together, both players shape Minnesota’s depth and flexibility. Edwards drives the system, while Dosunmu provides secondary scoring punch—meaning Game 2 could swing heavily depending on whether either is fully available.

Finch was asked about officiating on Tuesday, and he was confused as to how clear goaltending could frequently get missed in a playoff game. Some were not even close to being clean blocks. The Timberwolves felt “at least four” of Victor Wembanyama’s 12 blocks were goaltends.

“You know the value of eight points in an NBA game? That’s 33 percent of his blocks,” said Chris Finch. And then Rudy Gobert joked, “I want that type of treatment, too,” which made clear their disagreement with the officiating decisions.

Controversial decisions during the game

Throughout the game, it was plainly obvious that the refs were giving Wembanyama a lenient whistle. Some fouls went uncalled. And then, on at least three occasions, Wemby had clear goaltending violations go uncalled, which was unusual, especially in the playoffs.

Wembanyama was credited with seven blocked shots in the first half, as the Wolves struggled to adapt to playing an opponent with such imposing rim protection after Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets rolled out the red carpet for them on nearly every drive in their first-round series win.

Wembanyama was aggressive in challenging shots on Monday night while facing his countryman and mentor, Rudy Gobert, who has a record four Defensive Player of the Year awards.

What will the Timberwolves do about it?

Finch said the Timberwolves would not submit any plays to the league for review because he knows that would not change the outcome of a game that has already been played. But the comments were already made, and it was a clear message to the league.

“We’re going to keep coming,” Finch said. “We’ve got to make some better decisions in how we attack the rim. But all credit to the guys for not being discouraged. We should’ve walked away with another eight points.”

In a masterclass of rim protection, Wembanyama swatted six blocks in the opening 14 minutes of Game 1. For context, Jokic recorded just five blocks across the entirety of his six-game postseason clash against Minnesota last year.

The French phenom didn’t stop there. Wembanyama finished the night with a career-high 12 blocks, a playoff performance that underscored exactly why he was the unanimous DPOY this season. However, despite his historic defensive stand, a motivated Timberwolves squad managed to weather the storm and steal a victory on the Spurs’ home floor.

San Antonio is now looking to bounce back after the 104-102 heartbreaker. With Anthony Edwards leading the charge and Julius Randle providing a physical secondary punch, the Wolves have officially put the NBA on notice that they are more than ready for the challenge of the second round.

Wembanyama: ‘I trust us’

Despite being the most dominant force on the floor, Wembanyama watched as his teammates struggled to find their rhythm from the perimeter. Following the loss, the Spurs‘ cornerstone was vocal about the adjustments needed to salvage the series in Game 2.

“We need to figure out what we can do better within the next 48 hours, and I have no doubt that we will. I trust us,” Wembanyama told reporters following the narrow defeat.

The atmosphere in San Antonio remains electric as fans wait to see if this young core can reclaim the franchise’s championship pedigree. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves have a newfound sense of belief, proving they can go toe-to-toe with giants like the Nuggets and Spurs alike.