In a thrilling NBA showdown, the San Antonio Spurs secured a narrow 126-123 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night (Sunday, January 18, 2026, Philippine Time), thanks to a stellar performance and clutch plays from their star forward, Victor Wembanyama.
Duel of the Stars: Wembanyama vs. Edwards
Victor Wembanyama registered a massive 39 points and grabbed nine rebounds, proving to be the decisive factor in the final moments at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. His efforts were needed to counter an explosive season-high 55 points from Minnesota's Anthony Edwards, who nearly engineered another stunning comeback against the Spurs.
The game came down to the wire. With just over a minute remaining, Donte DiVincenzo hit a 24-foot three-pointer to give the Timberwolves a 119-118 lead. Wembanyama immediately responded on the next possession, sinking a 20-foot jumper to put San Antonio back on top. He then preserved the one-point advantage with a critical defensive play, blocking Joan Beringer's reverse layup attempt with only 13 seconds left on the clock.
A Game of Extreme Runs
The Spurs built their lead with a historic first-half display. They shot an impressive 57 percent from the field and dominated the second quarter, outscoring Minnesota 48-22. This marked the franchise's highest-scoring quarter since 1987 and the fourth-highest in team history for any quarter. Wembanyama was instrumental in this surge, scoring 23 of his points before halftime, including three three-pointers.
However, the Timberwolves, led by Edwards' fiery fourth quarter where he erupted for 26 points, stormed back. They outscored San Antonio 40-27 in the third quarter and started the final period with a 9-2 run. Edwards capped that run with a corner three-pointer, celebrating passionately in front of the sellout crowd. This comeback attempt echoed their previous meeting on January 11, where Edwards hit a game-winning three-pointer to beat the Spurs after they squandered a 19-point lead.
Supporting Cast and League Results
The Spurs received significant contributions from their backcourt. De'Aaron Fox added 25 points and 12 assists, while Keldon Johnson chipped in with 20 points. This collective effort allowed San Antonio to avoid a season sweep in their three-game series against Minnesota.
In other NBA action on the same night, several teams recorded wins. The Dallas Mavericks beat the Utah Jazz 138-120, the Boston Celtics won 132-106 at Atlanta, and the Detroit Pistons routed the Indiana Pacers 121-78. Other results included the Phoenix Suns triumphing 106-99 at New York, the Miami Heat edging the Oklahoma City Thunder 122-120, and the Golden State Warriors defeating the Charlotte Hornets 136-116. The Denver Nuggets beat the Washington Wizards 121-115, and the Portland Trail Blazers topped the Los Angeles Lakers 132-116.
This victory for the Spurs, anchored by Wembanyama's two-way dominance in crucial moments, highlights his growing impact and provides a memorable chapter in his budding rivalry with Anthony Edwards.
