Victor Wembanyama shone as the San Antonio Spurs drew level in the NBA’s Conference semi-finals. The New York Knicks also secured a win, edging into a 2-0 lead.
Spurs Dominate Timberwolves
The Spurs, seeded second in the Western Conference, bounced back from a home loss in game one. They thumped the Minnesota Timberwolves 133-95 on Wednesday. This levelled the best-of-seven series.
“I’m expecting this kind of response from myself, from my team-mates, so I’m not surprised by any means,” said Wembanyama.
The France international added: “There is some ego. They assaulted us in game one, we wanted to assault [them] in game two.”
Wembanyama claimed 19 points and 15 rebounds. The Spurs romped into a 59-35 lead by half-time. This was Minnesota’s lowest-scoring half all season.
- It was San Antonio’s highest NBA play-off score since 1983.
- They have not lost back-to-back games since 11 and 13 January.
- That is a stretch of 49 games.
Knicks Overcome 76ers in Close Contest
Jalen Brunson led a late charge as the Knicks clinched a 108-102 home win over the Philadelphia 76ers. The Knicks are the third seed in the Eastern Conference.
Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid was ruled out hours before tip-off. He was suffering from right hip soreness and a right ankle sprain.
The game featured 25 lead changes. This was the most for a play-off game in 11 years.
Brunson scored eight of his 26 points in the fourth quarter. This helped the Knicks pull clear. Karl-Anthony Towns added 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Tyrese Maxey scored a team-high 26 points for the 76ers. They hope Embiid can recover in time for game three in Philadelphia on Friday.
Wembanyama’s Defensive Prowess
Victor Wembanyama recently became the NBA’s first unanimous winner of the defensive player of the year award.
The Spurs and Timberwolves will continue their series, while the 76ers hope for Embiid’s return in game three.