ANTHONY Edwards made an earlier-than-expected comeback and helped Minnesota Timberwolves escape with a narrow 104-102 victory over San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of NBA Western Conference semifinals on Monday night (Tuesday in the Philippines) in San Antonio, Texas.
Edwards, who had been sidelined by a knee injury, contributed 18 points off the bench in just 25 minutes, shooting efficiently and providing a spark at a crucial moment.
He was originally projected to miss at least the first two games after hurting his left knee late in the previous round against Denver Nuggets, but returned ahead of schedule with Minnesota missing other key guards due to injury.
Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 21 points and 10 rebounds, anchoring Minnesota’s offense as they held off a late push from the Spurs, which had a chance to snatch the win but missed a triple try by Julian Champagnie.
San Antonio leaned heavily on Victor Wembanyama, who delivered a historic defensive performance. The 7-foot-4 star recorded 11 points, 15 rebounds, and a playoff-record 12 blocks.
Filipino-American rookie Dylan Harper scored 18 points for the Spurs, while Champagnie and Stephon Castle each added 17 markers in the tightly-contested series opener win.
In New York, Jalen Brunson scored 27 of his 35 points in the first half and the Knicks emphatically added to a historic postseason roll by overwhelming the Philadelphia 76ers 137-98, in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Knicks became the first team in NBA history to win three straight postseason games by at least 25 points, continuing a wave that began midway through the first round against Atlanta Hawks by shooting 63% from the field and leading by 40 points.
OG Anunoby added 18 points on 7-for-8 shooting, while Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges both had 17, with Towns adding six rebounds and six assists in just 20 minutes.
Paul George scored 17 points for Philadelphia. Embiid shot just 3 for 11 for his 14 points and Tyrese Maxey had just 13, not making his first basket until five minutes into the second quarter./PN
