The essentials
Timberwolves beat Spurs 114-109; Wembanyama ejected; Game 5 Tuesday in San Antonio.
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the San Antonio Spurs 114-109 in Game 4, forcing a decisive Game 5 in the playoff series. The victory came despite Victor Wembanyama's ejection for a flagrant foul on Naz Reid during the contest in Minneapolis.
Wembanyama's absence reshaped the game's final phases, yet the Spurs' backcourt maintained offensive firepower. San Antonio's guards combined for 68 points despite losing their star player to the ejection, demonstrating secondary scoring depth. The Spurs' ability to stay competitive without Wembanyama underscored their offensive versatility, though it proved insufficient to secure the victory.
Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday in San Antonio, with the series tied and both teams facing elimination scenarios. The ejection adds a layer of uncertainty heading into the decisive matchup, as Wembanyama's availability and form could significantly influence the outcome.
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Spurs' guard depth sustains competitiveness despite Wembanyama absence
The Spurs' backcourt showed remarkable offensive resilience in Game 4. With 68 combined points from the guard rotation, San Antonio remained competitive throughout the contest even after losing Wembanyama to ejection. This secondary scoring demonstrates the team's ability to generate offense through multiple channels, suggesting the series remains competitive despite the setback.
Game 5 becomes must-win for both teams with series on the line
Game 5 in San Antonio represents an elimination game scenario for both teams. The Timberwolves' victory forces the series back to the Spurs' home court, where both franchises face potential season-ending consequences. Wembanyama's ejection adds uncertainty to San Antonio's preparation, potentially affecting their Game 5 approach and confidence.