Edwards Powers Timberwolves Past Spurs, Honors Late Mother in Emotional Game 4 Win.

MINNEAPOLIS — On a night charged with emotion and playoff urgency, Anthony Edwards delivered when it mattered most, scoring 36 points to lift the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 114–109 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, evening their Western Conference semifinal series at 2–2. After the win, Edwards shifted the focus away from the on-court performance and toward a deeply personal reason behind it, dedicating the game to his late mother on Mother’s Day. Edwards’ mother, Yvette Edwards, passed away from cancer in 2015, a loss that has shaped much of his public journey and motivation. He has often referenced both his mother and grandmother—who died months later—as central figures in his life and career, including his decision to wear No. 5. “Today was about my mom,” Edwards said after the game. “I just wanted to win for her.” The Timberwolves star made that sentiment clear with his performance, taking over late as Minnesota erased a midgame lull and outscored San Antonio 34–25 in the fourth quarter. Edwards played the entire final period, scoring 16 of his points down the stretch as Minnesota capitalized on a suddenly more open paint. The game shifted in the second quarter when Spurs center Victor Wembanyama was ejected following a flagrant foul on Timberwolves big man Naz Reid. Officials ruled Wembanyama’s swinging elbow to Reid’s head warranted a Flagrant 2, removing San Antonio’s defensive anchor and dramatically altering the game’s flow.

At the time of the ejection, Wembanyama had already been a major deterrent in the series, stacking blocked shots and altering Minnesota’s approach around the rim. Without him, the Timberwolves attacked more aggressively downhill, generating a surge of drives and paint scoring opportunities in the second half.

Minnesota head coach Chris Finch said his team briefly lost its composure during a third-quarter Spurs push but credited the group’s late response for closing the game strong.

San Antonio still made Minnesota work for the win. Rookie Dylan Harper and second-year guard Stephon Castle combined for strong scoring outings off the bench, while De’Aaron Fox helped the Spurs briefly regain control early in the fourth. But down the stretch, Minnesota’s physicality inside proved decisive. Rudy Gobert delivered key baskets late, including multiple and-one finishes, while Reid contributed crucial second-chance points to help seal the outcome. For Edwards, who has been managing a knee issue throughout the postseason, the performance marked another heavy-minute workload—his fourth straight game exceeding 40 minutes—but also another signature playoff statement. Game 5 shifts to San Antonio on Tuesday night, with the series now effectively reset after Minnesota’s response on its home floor.