NBA Playoffs: Ant-Man Outlasts Wemby In Gritty Win; Brunson Beats Down Sixers

Last Updated:May 05, 2026, 10:59 IST

Anthony Edwards powers Wolves past Spurs in a gritty Game 1, spoiling Wembanyama’s record night. Meanwhile, the Knicks crush the Sixers behind Brunson’s brilliance.

Grimy, gritty, ugly… yet undeniably pure hoops.

That’s playoff basketball at its core, and Game 1 between the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs delivered exactly that.

Let’s be honest, most had written Minnesota off before the series even tipped off. But led by Anthony Edwards, the Wolves punched back with a blue-collar 104–102 win, instantly flipping the narrative.

Fresh off a left knee injury that sidelined him for two games, Edwards looked anything but rusty.

He saved his best for last, pouring in 11 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter, dragging Minnesota across the finish line and silencing any doubts about his fitness.

On the other end, Victor Wembanyama didn’t exactly have his shooting touch, going 0-for-8 from deep, but still managed to dominate the game.

The French phenom anchored the Spurs defensively with a staggering 12 blocks, a record-setting playoff performance, while adding 11 points and 15 rebounds for a remarkable triple-double.

But when Edwards took over late, even that wasn’t enough.

Minnesota’s win wasn’t just about star power; it was collective grit.

For a side missing key pieces, Ayo Dosunmu and Donte DiVincenzo, the others stepped up to the plate and took care of business. Julius Randle led the scoring with 21, while Jaden McDaniels (16), Terrence Shannon Jr. (12), Naz Reid (12), and Mike Conley (12) all chipped in.

For San Antonio, the bigger concern lies with De’Aaron Fox, who struggled to find rhythm, finishing with just 10 points on 5-of-14 shooting.

Game 2 now carries added weight, with the Spurs under pressure to respond on home court.

Knicks Run Riot at MSG, Leave Sixers Stunned

Over in the East, it was far less dramatic and far more one-sided.

The New York Knicks dismantled the Philadelphia 76ers 137–98 at Madison Square Garden, sending an early message in the Conference semifinals.

Jalen Brunson was in complete control, dropping 35 points in just three quarters, carving up a Sixers defense that had no answers all night.

Philadelphia, meanwhile, looked flat — perhaps still feeling the effects of a gruelling Game 7 in the previous round. They shot just 41.1% from the field, while the Knicks caught fire from deep, hitting 19 of 37 threes at a blistering 51.4%.

Fatigue might explain some of it. But if the Sixers don’t respond quickly, this series could slip away fast.

Game 2 stays in New York, where the Knicks suddenly look very comfortable.

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