NBA playoffs: Minnesota Timberwolves lead series despite Victor Wembanyama record

Victor Wembanyama’s record-breaking defensive performance wasn’t enough to keep the Minnesota Timberwolves down 1-0 against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA’s conference semifinals.

Wembanyama made 12 blocks — a record for the NBA playoffs — but Minnesota, the Western Conference’s sixth seed, upset second-seeded San Antonio to claim a 104-102 victory on the road Monday.

The Defensive Player of the Year added 11 points and 15 rebounds, becoming just the third player to have a triple-double in the playoffs with a block since the league began tracking blocks in 1973-74.

Anthony Edwards returned from a knee injury for the Timberwolves and scored 18 points off the bench as they won the opening game of the best-of-seven series.

San Antonio will be at home for two games on Wednesday.

“We have to be better,” said Wembaniama. “We have to figure it out in the next 48 hours, and I have no doubt that we will. I believe in us.”

The New York Knicks got off to a commanding start in their series with the Philadelphia 76ers, winning 137-98 at home.

The Knicks, who are the third seed in the Eastern Conference, became the first NBA team to win three playoff games by at least 25 points.

Jalen Brunson scored 27 of his game-high 35 points in the first half while London-born forward Ozzy Anunoby finished with 18 points.

After beating the Atlanta Hawks 140-89 on Thursday, the Knicks became just the second team in NBA history to end a streak and start another with back-to-back wins by at least 30 points.

“It wasn’t fun to be a part of, to be honest,” 76ers coach Nick Nurse said. “But it’s 0-1. It doesn’t really matter if it’s six points or 36 or whatever.”

Both games will be played at Madison Square Garden in New York on Wednesday.