Anthony Edwards Returns: How His 18 Points Led Minnesota Timberwolves to a Playoff Victory!

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The Minnesota Timberwolves opened the second round of the playoffs with a win, sparked by their star’s dramatic return. Anthony Edwards, who had been questionable after an injury, came back and delivered when it mattered most.

Minnesota beat San Antonio 104-102 in Game 1 of the 2025-2026 NBA Western Conference second round on May 5 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. The Wolves grabbed the early edge in the best-of-seven series with the 1-0 lead.

Edwards’ comeback was the biggest storyline. He injured his left knee in Game 4 of the first round against Denver last month and was expected to miss time, but he made a surprise return and finished with 18 points. He scored 11 in the fourth quarter, including a late drive for a layup and a floater that produced four straight points and swung momentum firmly in Minnesota’s favor.

Julius Randle was steady as well, recording a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double and anchoring the team in the paint and on the offensive end. Minnesota relied on the duo’s performances to stay focused down the stretch.

San Antonio still saw a historic effort from Victor Wembanyama despite the loss. He posted a triple-double with 11 points, 15 rebounds and 12 blocks — the most blocks in a single NBA postseason game. Since blocks were first tracked in 1973-74, only three players have recorded a playoff triple-double that included blocks.

The Spurs couldn’t turn that into a victory. Wembanyama’s dunk and Dylan Harper’s layup pulled San Antonio within 102-104 late, but they came up two points short.

In the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks routed the Philadelphia 76ers 137-98, a 39-point blowout. New York became the first team in playoff history to win three straight games by at least 25 points, continuing their dominant run.

Edwards was undeniably the headline of the West’s Game 1: an earlier-than-expected return, 18 points overall and 11 in the fourth quarter. For Minnesota, the ideal scenario played out exactly as they’d hoped.

Photo: AFP / Yonhap News Agencyn