Timberwolves Edge Spurs In Game 1 As Edwards Returns To Lead Upset

The NBA playoffs Game 1 double-header saw contrasting openers, with the Minnesota Timberwolves edging the San Antonio Spurs 104-102 and the New York Knicks dominating the Philadelphia 76ers 137-98, as Anthony Edwards returned early from injury and Jalen Brunson powered a record shooting night at Madison Square Garden.

Edwards came off the bench for the Timberwolves in NBA playoffs Game 1, contributing 18 points in 25 minutes after returning earlier than expected from a hyperextended knee, hitting 8 of 13 shots with three rebounds and three assists, though Edwards appeared to limp at times and later criticised personal defence in crucial moments.

Minnesota gained a 1-0 series lead in NBA playoffs Game 1 on the road despite late errors, surviving a furious Spurs surge that cut a nine-point deficit to two, while Victor Wembanyama delivered a historic defensive display that almost overturned the result for the favoured San Antonio side.

Wembanyama posted a triple-double in NBA playoffs Game 1 with 11 points, 15 rebounds and 12 blocks, the highest block total in any playoff game since official tracking began in 1979-80, though the Defensive Player of the Year went 0 for 8 from three-point range and could not fully offset Minnesota’s aggressive interior offence.

The Timberwolves attacked inside throughout NBA playoffs Game 1, scoring 52 points in the paint and earning 21 free throws, with Julius Randle leading Minnesota with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Mike Conley added 12 points, six assists and four three-pointers as the visitors repeatedly challenged Wembanyama at the rim despite clear shot-altering presence.

Late-game execution nearly cost Minnesota in NBA playoffs Game 1, as Edwards guarded Julian Champagnie, who grabbed three offensive rebounds in the last 90 seconds and scored four second-chance points, helping San Antonio close to 104-102 after a Devin Vassell steal produced a Dylan Harper breakaway dunk with 31 seconds remaining before Champagnie’s open buzzer three missed left.

Champagnie finished NBA playoffs Game 1 with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Harper scored 18 off the Spurs bench, yet San Antonio chose not to use a timeout after a Randle miss gave them the ball with under 10 seconds left, and the final possession ended with Champagnie’s missed wing three.

In the Eastern Conference, the Knicks seized a 1-0 advantage in NBA playoffs Game 1 by overwhelming Philadelphia 137-98, as New York shot 63.1% from the field, hit 19 three-pointers, and outscored the 76ers in every quarter before a loud home crowd at Madison Square Garden.

Brunson drove the Knicks offence in NBA playoffs Game 1 with 35 points, including 27 in the first half, closing the second quarter with 11 points during the final 1:32 and drilling a deep buzzer-beating three that stretched New York’s lead to 74-51 at half-time against a fatigued Philadelphia team.

New York entered NBA playoffs Game 1 fresher after extra rest, capitalising on Philadelphia’s recent Game 7 outing on Saturday by maintaining pressure on both ends, while OG Anunoby delivered 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting, Mikal Bridges added 17 points and five assists, and Karl-Anthony Towns managed 17 points, six rebounds and six assists in only 20 minutes due to foul trouble.

Philadelphia’s offence relied heavily on free throws in NBA playoffs Game 1, attempting 34, with Paul George leading the scoring at 17 points on four three-pointers, yet the 76ers shot just 41.1% overall, committed 19 turnovers, and could not match New York’s efficiency before the series shifts to Game 2 on Wednesday.

The first night of this NBA playoffs Game 1 action produced a narrow Timberwolves escape and a dominant Knicks display, setting early tones for both second-round series as Minnesota and New York carry 1-0 leads while San Antonio and Philadelphia search for adjustments ahead of their next opportunities.