MINNEAPOLIS — Donte DiVincenzo led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a close victory over the San Antonio Spurs with an impressive performance, scoring 26 points in a nail-biting 112-110 game on Sunday evening.
Rudy Gobert contributed significantly with 17 points and 15 rebounds, helping the Timberwolves achieve their third consecutive win. Julius Randle added 16 points to the scoreboard, while Jaden McDaniels recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Anthony Edwards, who had been fined $100,000 earlier in the day for inappropriate language during media interactions, struggled offensively, finishing with only 14 points, which was notably below his season average of 25 points per game.
With just 12.1 seconds remaining, DiVincenzo converted one of two free throws, leaving the Spurs with a narrow chance to tie the game. They attempted a three-pointer with Jeremy Sochan, who was open but failed to connect, securing the Timberwolves’ win.
Victor Wembanyama was the standout for the Spurs, scoring 34 points and grabbing eight rebounds. Supporting him were Harrison Barnes with 24 points, Devin Vassell contributing 22 points, and Chris Paul delivering 14 assists.
In the third quarter, after trailing by 13 points, Wembanyama ignited a strong comeback for San Antonio with a 16-4 run. He showcased his versatile skill set by scoring from various ranges, including the low post and beyond the arc, along with free throws and midrange jumpers.
Despite a challenging shooting night from beyond the arc, the Timberwolves persevered. They made only 11 of 44 attempts on three-pointers but maintained their composure inside the paint. DiVincenzo managed to shoot 5 for 10 from deep, while Edwards and Randle faced difficulties, combining for just 1 for 16 from three-point territory.
A pivotal moment occurred with 4:44 left in the game when Randle drove to the basket for a layup against Wembanyama. Initially called for an offensive foul, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch opted to challenge the ruling, resulting in the basket being allowed. Following that play, Minnesota maintained the lead throughout the remainder of the game.
Notably, in the first quarter, Minnesota struggled to find their rhythm from three-point range, making only 1 of 11 attempts, but excelled inside, going 9 for 9 on shots within the arc.
Looking ahead, the Spurs will host the Clippers in their next outing, while the Timberwolves will travel to Oklahoma City on Tuesday.
