Wembanyama Sets NBA Postseason Blocks Record in Spurs' Game 1 Loss to Timberwolves

Victor Wembanyama showed why he earned the NBA's first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year award.

The San Antonio Spurs lost 104-102 to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals Monday night at Frost Bank Center. Wembanyama recorded 12 blocks, an NBA postseason record. He finished with 11 points, 15 rebounds and 12 blocks, the third triple-double in the playoffs including blocks since the league started tracking them in 1973-74.

Wembanyama dominated on defense but shot 5-for-17 from the field.

"We have to be better," Wembanyama said. "It shows up on the stat sheet. We need to figure out before 48 hours what we can do better, and I’ve got no doubt that we will. I trust us."

The Timberwolves received a key lift from Anthony Edwards, who returned from injury ahead of schedule. Edwards suffered a bone bruise and hyperextended his left knee in Game 4 of Minnesota's first-round series against the Denver Nuggets. The 24-year-old was slated to miss the first two games against San Antonio but played in this one.

He scored 11 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter. Minnesota held on for the victory, San Antonio's second loss in its last 17 home series openers.

"I know for a fact, just me being out there, it calms everybody down," Edwards said. "Not saying there’s any pressure on any of my teammates, but it takes pressure off of everybody just knowing that I’m out there, I’m available to play, yeah. And just doing what I do best, just trying to put the ball in the hoop."

Timberwolves guard Mike Conley said no one anticipated Edwards' quick return.

"Nobody expected him to play," Conley said. "It was just his level of commitment to the game. Not just to the game, but to his teammates. It showed a lot."

Edwards' performance helped Minnesota overcome Wembanyama's defensive stand. The Spurs host Game 2 on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. ET.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.