The San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves are set to clash in Game 3, with both teams eager to seize the advantage in their series. San Antonio aims to replicate their Game 2 performance. Minnesota, by contrast, want to make their guests at Target Center wish they’d held some of that bloated margin in reserve as emergency points they’ll need going forward.
Spurs Aim to Replicate Game 2 Success
The Spurs are looking to replicate their performance as much as possible. They rocked the Wolves in the first quarter with aggressive offense from point guard De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama. Their goal is ostensibly simple.
Timberwolves Seek to Rebound
Minnesota knows that an early pounce is the surest way to maximise the series’ shift to Minneapolis. The Wolves got blown off the court at San Antonio’s Frost Bank Center in Game 2 Wednesday by 38, 133-95. Minnesota wants to make their guests at Target Center wish they’d held some of that bloated margin in reserve as emergency points they’ll need going forward.
Anthony Edwards’ Performance Under Scrutiny
Anthony Edwards, still recovering from a bruised and hyperextended left knee, has combined for just 30 points in Games 1 and 2. Ask any Wolves fan what their team needs to find an extra gear in Game 3 and they’ll say “More Ant”. That reality doesn’t cut him any slack with the Spurs, who have limited Edwards while on the court to a combined 30 points in Games 1 and 2.
Edwards still drew the defensive respect from San Antonio of being double-teamed, but he dealt with the traps less effectively than usual. His 13 shot attempts in each game tied for third-fewest in his 48 playoff performances, and he has scored 30 points or more – in single games, not two – 16 times. He probably should be back in the starting lineup, his minutes need to ramp up and forget about letting the game “come to him,” as some coaches will advise. For the Wolves’ good, Edwards need to seize it by the neck.
Through their runs to the conference finals in 2024 and ’25, Edwards’ talent and the stress it puts on opponents has been Minnesota’s superpower. Its record when he has scored 20+ in a playoff game: 19-14. And when he hasn’t: 6-9.
Game 3: A Sprint Out of the Gates Expected
Both teams look to sprint out of the gates in Game 3 while San Antonio attempts to grab back home-court advantage. Expect both teams to aim for quick, explosive starts. Minnesota knows that an early pounce is the surest way to maximise the series’ shift to Minneapolis.
With the series tied at 1-1, both teams are eager to assert their dominance and move ahead. The Spurs are eager to grab back home-court advantage even as the Wolves try to assert some.