Even after the Minnesota Timberwolves were dismantled 126-97 by the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5, Anthony Edwards made it clear the locker room still believes the series is far from over.
“I don’t see nobody in our locker room that’s too worried,” Edwards said. “There’s another basketball game. Come out, put your boots on and get ready to go to war.”
The loss pushed the Timberwolves to the brink of elimination, with San Antonio now holding a 3-2 series lead after dominating both home games by a combined 67 points.
Still, Edwards’ tone after the game never shifted toward panic.
A major storyline entering the night was the return of Victor Wembanyama, who avoided suspension after his Game Four ejection for an elbow on Naz Reid.
The Spurs star wasted no time making an impact, exploding early and helping San Antonio jump out to a huge lead.
“Some of the stuff Wemby was doing you don’t really have too much of an answer for,” Edwards admitted. “You just hope he misses.”
Minnesota briefly fought its way back into the game, tying things at 61 midway through the third quarter, but the momentum disappeared quickly as San Antonio closed the period in dominant fashion.
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch pointed directly to the team abandoning its offensive rhythm.
“We went away from what was working [offensively],” Finch said. “Then our defense just cratered. We gave up 30 points, I think, in the last six minutes of the third quarter. A lot of it was ball containment.”
Finch also pointed out that the Wolves “started breaking off plays” after finding success earlier in the game by moving the ball and attacking gaps in the defense.
Jaden McDaniels’ foul trouble continued to haunt Minnesota as well, something Edwards believes continues to swing the series.
“Everything starts with Jaden McDaniels, trying to keep him out of foul trouble,” Edwards said. “He’s so important to the team. It hurts everybody when he gets in foul trouble. Some tough calls being made out there against him. Not too much we can say.”
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