The San Antonio Spurs beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 115-108 on Friday, May 8, 2026, in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals, with Victor Wembanyama leading the way with 39 points and 15 rebounds as San Antonio took a 2-1 series lead at Target Center.
Quarter-by-quarter breakdown
San Antonio edged in front early and led 23-22 after the first quarter in a tightly played opening period. Minnesota answered in the second, outscoring the Spurs 29-28 to take a slim 51-50 halftime lead, with Anthony Edwards carrying much of the Timberwolves’ offense.
The game turned in the third quarter. The Spurs posted 35 points in the period and outscored Minnesota 35-28, using efficient half-court execution and steady trips to the foul line to move in front 85-79 entering the fourth. That stretch gave San Antonio the separation it needed.
Both teams scored 29 points in the fourth quarter, but the Timberwolves could not make up the deficit. Minnesota stayed within range behind Edwards’ shot creation and rebounding, yet San Antonio maintained control late and closed out the seven-point road win without needing overtime.
Key performers
Wembanyama delivered the standout line of the night for San Antonio: 39 points, 15 rebounds and 5 blocks. He led all scorers and gave the Spurs a reliable option throughout the game, especially after halftime.
Stephon Castle helped organize the offense with 12 assists, and San Antonio finished with 26 assists as a team. The Spurs also shot 45.9% from the field and made 25 of 33 free throws, an important edge in a playoff road game.
For Minnesota, Edwards finished with 32 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists in an all-around performance. He kept the Timberwolves in the game for long stretches, but Minnesota shot 38.4% from the field overall, which made the comeback path more difficult. The Timberwolves did make 14 three-pointers and won the rebounding battle 54-48, but they could not fully capitalize on those advantages.
NerdSports Stat: Minnesota attempted 14 more shots than San Antonio and grabbed six more rebounds, yet still lost by seven because the Spurs made one more field goal and seven more free throws while committing to the more efficient offensive profile.
Game analysis
This game was decided by efficiency and composure in the middle stages. Minnesota generated volume with 99 field-goal attempts, but the Spurs were far more effective on a per-possession basis, shooting 45.9% compared with the Timberwolves’ 38.4%. San Antonio also created a significant free-throw advantage, attempting 33 to Minnesota’s 21.
The third quarter stood out as the swing segment. After trailing by one at halftime, the Spurs took control with a 35-point period that combined interior production, ball movement and timely shot-making. Their 26 assists reflected how consistently they found workable offense, while Wembanyama’s presence on both ends shaped the game’s rhythm.
Minnesota had enough activity to stay competitive. Edwards filled the stat sheet, and the Timberwolves matched San Antonio in the fourth quarter. But when a team shoots below 40% and gives up a decisive third-quarter run, the margin for error becomes very small. The Spurs handled that closing stretch well and came away with the win.
With the result, San Antonio leads the best-of-seven series 2-1 in the West semifinals. The Spurs also improved to 62-20 overall this season, while the Timberwolves are now 49-33. Game 3 showed San Antonio’s ability to win on the road, and Minnesota now heads into the next matchup needing a response to avoid falling further behind in the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
San Antonio Spurs defeated Minnesota Timberwolves 115-108 on May 8, 2026.
Victor Wembanyama scored 39 points on 45.9% shooting.
After the win, San Antonio Spurs sits 62-20 in the Western Conference.
Victor Wembanyama was the standout performer with 39 points, 15 rebounds and 5 blocks.
