Anthony Edwards defied his expected recovery timeline to help the Minnesota Timberwolves secure a 104-102 Game 1 road win over the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals.
Initially expected to miss the first two games of the series after suffering a hyperextended knee and bone bruise on April 25 against the Denver Nuggets, Edwards logged 25 impactful minutes off the bench as the Timberwolves escaped with a last-second victory.
Anthony Edwards’ Swift Return Helps Wolves Overcome Victor Wembanyama’s Historic Game 1 Defense
Hours before tipoff, Minnesota was facing a severely depleted backcourt with Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles), Ayo Dosunmu (calf), and Edwards on its injury report.
However, after Monday’s pregame workouts, Edwards was cleared to play in the series opener, albeit on a minutes restriction.
Undeterred by his limited playing time, the four-time All-Star repeatedly tested his knee against San Antonio’s drop coverage, finishing with 18 points on 8-for-13 shooting from the field, including 2-for-3 from beyond the arc.
Edwards also did not hesitate to challenge Victor Wembanyama’s towering presence, sparking widespread online praise.
Anthony Edwards vs. Victor Wembanyama my goodness. pic.twitter.com/ms4LB8OAhV
— Steve Jones (@stevejones20) May 5, 2026
ESPN’s Anthony Slater took note of the 24-year-old’s performance, writing, “Anthony Edwards’ surge has him up to 18 points in 20 bench minutes. Just shook Keldon Johnson off the dribble for that last floater and then had words for him prior to the timeout. Occasional limp/grimace from Edwards, but mostly moving like himself.”
“Anthony Edwards just cooked Wemby for a 3 🤢,” another user reacted.
“OMG Anthony Edwards is COOKING THE SPURS ON ONE KNEE,” Hater Report exclaimed.
OMG Anthony Edwards is COOKING THE SPURS ON ONE KNEE pic.twitter.com/3eH7kAyodC
— Hater Report (@HaterReport) May 5, 2026
“I’m finna tear my ACL on purpose just to see how fast I can rehab it now, man, Ant so inspirational,” one user hilariously remarked, marveling at Edwards’ quick recovery.
I’m finna tear my ACL on purpose just to see how fast I can rehab it now man Ant so inspirational
— 🤺 (@philfanacc) May 4, 2026
“Anthony Edwards just led his team to a win over San Antonio on the road with one kneecap. So impressive. But the last five minutes of that game also showcased the significance of Donte DiVincenzo’s injury. They needed another ball-handler down the stretch of that game. Major loss,” ESPN’s Myron Medcalf observed.
“Anthony Edwards is the most important player in the NBA,” another asserted.
Anthony Edwards is the most important player in the NBA.
— Eddie Gonzalez (@bansky) May 5, 2026
Edwards didn’t shoulder Minnesota’s primary scoring burden alone, as Julius Randle stepped up with a 21-point, 10-rebound performance.
For San Antonio, Wembanyama recorded 11 points, 15 rebounds, and a postseason record 12 blocks as Game 1 concluded in a chaotic sequence.
After a missed jumper by Randle, Spurs forward Julian Champagnie had the opportunity to clinch the win on the game’s final possession. However, his 3-point attempt clanked off the rim, nullifying Wembanyama’s defensive effort and handing Minnesota a thrilling win.
Julian Champagnie for the win… Doesn’t go.
Wolves steal Game 1 on the road.pic.twitter.com/S4bswPlwah
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 5, 2026
With Game 2 tipping off Wednesday night, San Antonio will need to be more effective offensively and better complement Wembanyama’s rim protection to avoid falling into a daunting 0-2 hole.
