The Spurs are looking to extend their lead in the Western Conference semifinal series against the Timberwolves. After two straight trips to the West Finals, Minnesota sees the next round as its turf, but the rising Spurs stand in the way.
With the Spurs in front, Game 4 on Sunday is as pivotal as an uncharted crossroads with no turning back. If San Antonio is as greedy as it wants to be at Minneapolis’ Target Center, it will have a commanding lead that assures advancement about 95% of the time. It would set up the Spurs nicely for what could be an epic showdown in the West with OKC.
Wembanyama’s Impact on the Series
Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs have been smothering Wolves star Anthony Edwards and his Minnesota teammates. Wembanyama’s long presence makes the basket at San Antonio’s end seem closed even when it isn’t.
Wembanyama scored a playoff career-high 39 points, along with 15 rebounds and five blocks in a Game 3 win.
Timberwolves’ Offensive Struggles
Having Victor Wembanyama near the basket while his teammates are throwing defensive double-teams at Anthony Edwards early in possessions has led many times to sluggish, indecisive offense for the Wolves. The Wolves’ offense has been looking the way Edwards’ achy knees might feel.
Minnesota needs to inflict immediate pain a few times to soften the focus on Edwards, but with the exception of veteran Mike Conley, none of the other starters is a quick-trigger shooter.
DiVincenzo’s Absence Felt
One reason for the Timberwolves’ offensive challenges? Donte DiVincenzo, Edward’s backcourt stalwart all season, is out for the foreseeable future after rupturing his right Achilles tendon in the Denver series.
DiVincenzo never was shy about immediately making a defence pay by firing from 3-point range. He led his team with 244 3-pointers in the regular season, launching eight per game. With DiVincenzo out, Edwards at times – especially in the first two games – was slower to move the ball, and when he did, the recipient didn’t swiftly make the Spurs pay.
Looking Ahead to Game 4
If the Wolves fire back to make this 2-2, the pressure mounts for the Spurs not to lose Game 5. Minnesota is assured of another home game and the prospects of the series going seven improve considerably.
The Spurs are closing the experience gap with the veteran Wolves with each passing game and aren’t inclined to defer now. We’ve got another week to figure it out if the Spurs and Timberwolves can stretch out their Western Conference semifinal series to maximum length.