Wembanyama Outduels Edwards As Spurs Edge Timberwolves In Thriller

The San Antonio Spurs finally snapped their six-game losing streak against the Minnesota Timberwolves in dramatic fashion on January 17, 2026, edging out a 126-123 victory at the Frost Bank Center. This Western Conference clash was everything fans could hope for: electric performances, wild momentum swings, and a finish that left everyone on the edge of their seats. Notably, the night belonged to two dazzling young stars—Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Edwards—who traded jaw-dropping buckets and heroic plays from tip-off to the final buzzer.

Coming into the game, the Timberwolves (27-15) were looking to complete a three-game season sweep of the Spurs (28-13), having already notched wins on November 30, 2025, and January 11, 2026. On the other side, San Antonio was eager to avenge those losses and keep pace in the tightly contested Western Conference playoff race. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere inside Frost Bank Center matched the magnitude of the contest.

Before tip-off, injury concerns loomed over both teams. For the Timberwolves, star guard Anthony Edwards was listed as day-to-day with a foot injury, but he suited up and put on a performance for the ages. The Wolves, however, were without the defensive anchor Rudy Gobert, forcing rookie Joan Beringer into early action. The Spurs were missing Devin Vassell (thigh), while Stephon Castle was questionable with illness but ultimately contributed to the cause.

The first quarter was a bit of a feeling-out process, with both teams trading baskets but struggling to find offensive rhythm. De’Aaron Fox started hot for San Antonio, and Keldon Johnson provided instant energy off the bench. Yet, turnovers and missed open looks plagued the Spurs, and they actually trailed heading into the second period. As the game progressed, though, San Antonio’s defense clamped down, holding Minnesota to just 22 points in each of the opening two quarters—a testament to their commitment on that end of the floor.

Then came the explosion. The second quarter saw the Spurs catch absolute fire, outscoring the Timberwolves 48-22. Victor Wembanyama was simply unguardable, pouring in 20 points in the period and finishing the first half with 23—matching his season high for points in any half. The Spurs shot a blistering 57% from the field, their highest-scoring quarter since 1987 and the fourth most in franchise history for any quarter. As the halftime buzzer sounded, the home crowd could hardly believe their eyes. San Antonio led by a comfortable margin, but if recent history taught them anything, it was that Minnesota would not go away quietly.

The Timberwolves, playing on the second night of a back-to-back after a tough loss in Houston, could have folded. Instead, they came out of the locker room with renewed energy and purpose. Julius Randle, who had been instrumental the night before, started to assert himself, and Anthony Edwards began his ascent toward a career-defining night. The Wolves outscored the Spurs 40-27 in the third quarter, fueled by transition play and relentless attacks at the rim. Rookie Joan Beringer, thrust into a bigger role due to Naz Reid’s injury, impressed with his motor and hustle, helping Minnesota chip away at the deficit. By the end of the third, San Antonio’s lead was down to 12, and the tension in the building was palpable.

The fourth quarter was nothing short of breathtaking. Edwards, who had scored 29 through the first three quarters, went supernova, racking up 26 points in the final frame alone. He hit five of seven three-pointers in the period, including a corner triple with 9.8 seconds left that brought him to 54 points and cut the Spurs’ lead to just one. After adding a free throw, Edwards finished with a career-high 55 points, shooting 19-for-33 from the field, 9-for-16 from deep, and 8-for-10 from the line. He also chipped in four rebounds and three assists in 40 minutes of action. According to official stats, "Edwards reached 54 points after nailing a 3-point shot in the corner to make it a one-point game with 9.8 seconds left in regulation. He added one more free throw and finished the game with 55 points, a new career high."

But the Spurs had answers of their own. Wembanyama, who had been scoreless for the first 10 minutes of the third quarter, closed the period with a driving dunk that reignited the crowd. He finished with 39 points and nine rebounds, including a critical offensive board in the final seconds that allowed San Antonio to hold on. His impact was felt on both ends—after Donte DiVincenzo hit a clutch three to put Minnesota up 119-118 with just over a minute left, Wembanyama calmly responded with a 20-foot jumper and then blocked Joan Beringer’s reverse layup to preserve the slim lead. "Victor Wembanyama had 39 points and nine rebounds, corralling a critical offensive rebound in the final seconds," reported the Associated Press.

De’Aaron Fox was everywhere for the Spurs, tallying 25 points and 12 assists, while Keldon Johnson added 20 points and provided much-needed stability in crucial moments. Castle, despite battling illness, dished out key assists and contributed defensively. Julian Champagnie continued his strong rebounding stretch, highlighted by a massive board after a missed free throw by Edwards—a play that drew praise from assistant coach Mitch Johnson during the broadcast.

The Timberwolves’ supporting cast did their best to keep pace, but the absence of Rudy Gobert was felt, especially on the glass and in rim protection. Randle and Beringer gave spirited efforts, but in the end, the Wolves couldn’t quite complete the comeback. Both teams finished with 28 free throw attempts, and the officiating was a talking point, as the whistle seemed to favor one side at times before swinging back the other way.

San Antonio’s victory not only ended their losing streak to Minnesota but also provided a confidence boost as they prepare to host the Utah Jazz on January 19. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, will look to regroup before their own matchup with Utah on January 20. For now, though, the night belongs to Wembanyama and Edwards—two superstars whose duel will be remembered by fans for years to come.

What a night in San Antonio: two young phenoms, a playoff-like atmosphere, and a game that lived up to every ounce of hype. With the Western Conference race heating up, both the Spurs and Timberwolves showed they’re ready for the battles to come.