Edwards’ return leads the Wolves past the Spurs in a Game 1 stunner

San Antonio — Anthony Edwards Scored 18 points in unexpected return from injury Minnesota Timberwolves Defeat a protective gem by Victor Wembanyama to beat the San Antonio Spurs 104-102 in the Western Conference semifinal opener on Monday night.

Wembanyama had 11 points and 15 rebounds and set an NBA postseason record with 12 blocks. He is the third player to have a triple-double in the playoffs with a block since the league began tracking blocks in 1973-74.

San Antonio cut the deficit to 104-102 Devin Vassell And layup by Dylan Harper 31 seconds left. A miss followed by Minnesota Julius Rundle, Julian Champagne Boozer couldn’t connect on a 3-pointer as San Antonio suffered its second loss in its last 17 series openers at home.

Randle finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds for the Timberwolves. Harper scored 18 points and champagne and Stephen Castle Spurs had 17.

Edwards was expected to miss the first two games of the series after suffering a bone bruise and hyperextending his left knee on April 25 during Game 4 of Minnesota’s opening round series against Denver. Instead, Edwards worked diligently to get back with the guards Donte DiVincenzo (torn right Achilles tendon) and Come on Dosunmu (right calf pain) out with injury.

Oddsmakers didn’t expect much from Edwards as the Spurs closed as 10.5-point favorites at DraftKings sportsbook. The win tied Minnesota for the second-largest upset in a playoff game in franchise history, according to ESPN Research.

After draining a step-back 3-pointer early in the game, Edwards looked toward the Spurs bench and yelled: “I’m back! I’m back!”

He certainly was.

Edwards did not start, entering the game with 6:53 left in the first quarter and the Timberwolves trailing 11-8. He scored 8 for 13 in 25 minutes.

Game 2 is Wednesday in San Antonio.

Wembaniyama had seven blocks in the first half. The NBA Defensive Player of the Year opened the game by blocking a pair of driving layups Terence Shannon Jr. On continuous resources. Two minutes later, he blocked Gobert’s driving layup under the rim.

Wembanyama missed Bones Highland’s floater with his left hand, but recovered in mid-air to swipe with his right for his 10th block late in the third quarter.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.