The Minnesota Timberwolves snatched home-court advantage right out of San Antonio’s hands at the Frost Bank Center on Monday.
The Timberwolves held on in the frantic final minute to secure a 104-102 victory over the Spurs in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals as both teams traded heavy blows throughout a physical contest.
Chris Finch, NBA World Question Victor Wembanyama’s Shot-Blocking Record
Victor Wembanyama once again was the man to beat, single-handedly dealing with Minnesota’s offense in what was another record-setting night for the 22-year-old.
He recorded 11 points and 15 rebounds, alongside a postseason record 12 blocks, as social media feeds flooded with highlights of Wembanyama’s defensive clinic.
Unfortunately, the Frenchman’s performance was overshadowed when Spurs forward Julian Champagnie’s game-winning 3-point effort bounced off the rim.
JULIAN CHAMPAGNIE MISSES THE WIDE OPEN GAME WINNER FOR THE WIN 😬
Timberwolves steal game 1 pic.twitter.com/ZhMPrsi8r6
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) May 5, 2026
While San Antonio was left rueing a narrow defeat, Minnesota head coach Chris Finch refused to marvel at Wembanyama’s blocks and expressed his frustration at the officiating.
“He had a lot of blocks, he had a couple of uncalled goaltendings too. Those are valuable points we’d like to have back,” Finch said, suggesting his team was robbed of crucial momentum swings.
Chris Finch on Wemby:
“He had a lot of blocks, he had a couple of uncalled goaltendings too. Those are valuable points we’d like to have back” pic.twitter.com/0cMDSHmghY
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) May 5, 2026
Several online voices seemed to agree with Finch’s perspective, with many fans posting clips and alleging that some of Wembanyama’s blocks could fall into the goaltending category.
“NBC is VERY consciously not showing the blocks that are goaltender,” Benjamin Howard wrote.
“Wemby has 3 blocks in 3.5 minutes now, and they’re…A good block. An uncalled goaltend. An uncalled foul,” ClutchPoints NBA writer Tomer Azarly posted.
“3 French blocks to start Spurs-Wolves Game 1 (but Wemby clearly goaltended his 2nd block and they missed it),” Azarly highlighted in another post.
3 French blocks to start Spurs-Wolves Game 1 (but Wemby clearly goaltended his 2nd block and they missed it). pic.twitter.com/homGSdiyT9
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) May 5, 2026
“Dog he’s already EIGHT FEET TALL. Can we not let him goaltend too???” one user remarked.
“He fouls alot too but it’s just the NBA trying to promote the next big thing since LeBron is old,” another replied.
He fouls alot too but it’s just the NBA trying to promote the next big thing since LeBron is old 😂😂😂
— 😵💫🤬🪄🫨 (@YaBoyDion_) May 5, 2026
San Antonio kept the game uncomfortably close but struggled to generate consistent scoring.
Wembanyama anchored the defense perfectly but was out of sync with the half-court offense, allowing Minnesota to survive a late collapse and hand San Antonio a rare home loss.
Addressing the underwhelming offensive production, Wembanyama took collective responsibility, saying, “There was some good and some bad. The bad was not going into what we know. A lot of it was on me. If the offensive leaders on our team had been better, it [would have been different].”
San Antonio and Wembanyama must find their offensive groove to avoid falling into an 0-2 hole before the series shifts to Minneapolis.
