The San Antonio Spurs secured a victory, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves. Julian Champagnie’s triple in the fourth quarter helped clinch the win. The Spurs won with a final score of 139-109. This victory advances the Spurs to face the reigning champions.
Champagnie’s Key Triple Extends Spurs’ Lead
The final nail in Minnesota’s coffin came two minutes into the fourth quarter. Spurs forward Julian Champagnie hit his second triple. He threw both fists in the air.
There was technically enough time for the Timberwolves to mount a comeback. Earlier in the evening, a near-30-point lead had been trimmed to just 11 points. But Minnesota’s dejected look as its players took the scenic route to the bench indicated the game was over.
Coach Johnson Praises Team’s Potential
Mitch Johnson, the Spurs head coach, spoke after San Antonio’s 139-109 win. He stated that the team never discussed expectations. They knew they had potential and would try to be the best team they could be.
“I understand the general expectations of what we’re supposed to do in October aren’t necessarily aligned with where we’re at now,” Johnson said. “But we never talked about what we were going to be or or do. We just knew that we had a lot of potential and were going to try and be the best team we could be. Those guys in the locker room have given themselves to the team and each other.”
Castle’s Standout Performance in Vain
Stephon Castle put forth a composed two-way show on the road at just 21 years old. He finished with 32 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists on 11-for-16 shooting. He became the youngest player in the shot-clock era to record a playoff line of that magnitude.
“He was pretty damn good,” Johnson said.
Fox’s Composed Presence on the Court
De’Aaron Fox showcased poise and a calming presence. He had a 21-point, nine-assist night. Johnson said of Fox, “He had moments in this game that we needed to settle us.”
Fox’s ability to maintain control, even when his large, French teammate was off the floor, will be called upon in the days and weeks to come.
General manager Brian Wright acquired Fox a little over a year ago. Wright also made a $229 million commitment to the veteran guard. The hope was to establish a sense of urgency for a talented but inexperienced Spurs squad.
“He made multiple plays all night long, whether they showed up in the box score or not, that settled us and [he] doesn’t get enough credit for that,” Johnson said of Fox.
Aggressive Rebounding Strategy Pays Off
Johnson’s insistence on sending extra bodies to the glass resulted in a 60-29 advantage on the boards. This was the biggest showing of aggression in a series dictated by shoves, bumps and unnecessary elbows. Such emphasis on physicality provided a catalyst for a wholesale approach on hobbled star Anthony