NBA Playoffs: Spurs Dominate Timberwolves as Knicks Take Control of 76ers Series
The 2026 NBA Conference Semifinals heated up on Wednesday night with two pivotal Game 2 matchups that shifted the momentum of their respective series. While the San Antonio Spurs delivered a statement win to even their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the New York Knicks capitalized on a depleted Philadelphia 76ers roster to secure a commanding 2-0 lead.
Spurs Overpower Timberwolves in Game 2 Rout
The San Antonio Spurs responded emphatically to their Game 1 loss, demolishing the Minnesota Timberwolves 133-95. San Antonio dominated the game from the opening minutes, utilizing a physical defense and a high-tempo offense to keep Minnesota off balance.
Stephon Castle led the way for the Spurs with 21 points, heading a group of seven San Antonio players who finished in double figures. The team’s interior presence was a deciding factor, as they earned a 58-36 advantage in points in the paint and outpaced the Timberwolves 29-5 in fast break points. Victor Wembanyama continued to be a force on both ends of the floor, recording 19 points, 15 rebounds, one steal, and two blocks.
Minnesota struggled significantly with ball security and efficiency, committing 22 turnovers—tied for the second-most they have committed all season. The Timberwolves were held to 39.8% shooting as the Spurs’ youth and energy proved too much to handle. When asked about the experience gap between the two teams, Wembanyama was dismissive, stating, “We don’t care (about their experience advantage).”
Knicks Secure 2-0 Lead Behind Brunson’s Leadership
At Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks outlasted the Philadelphia 76ers in a 108-102 victory, extending their series lead to 2-0. The game was a tightly contested battle featuring 14 ties and 25 lead changes, but New York managed to pull away late in the fourth quarter.
Jalen Brunson anchored the Knicks’ offense, finishing with 26 points to lead his team to victory. Philadelphia, meanwhile, was forced to play without star center Joel Embiid, who remains sidelined with hip and ankle injuries. The absence of Embiid was felt most acutely in the final frame. after shooting 50% from 3-point range through the first three quarters, the 76ers went ice-cold in the fourth, shooting just 21.1% from the floor and going 1-for-10 from beyond the arc.
Despite a strong early showing from Paul George, who made five three-pointers, the 76ers could not find a consistent scoring option in the closing minutes. Tyrese Maxey struggled with his shooting performance, leaving Philadelphia with their backs against the wall as the series shifts back to Philadelphia.
Key Takeaways from Wednesday’s Action
- Series Shifts: The Spurs now tie their series 1-1 against Minnesota, while the Knicks hold a 2-0 advantage over the 76ers.
- Wembanyama’s Impact: Victor Wembanyama’s double-double (19 pts, 15 reb) highlighted San Antonio’s interior dominance.
- Philadelphia’s Dilemma: The 76ers’ struggle in the fourth quarter underscores the critical void left by Joel Embiid’s injuries.
- Knicks Momentum: New York has now won six consecutive playoff games, including their first-round comeback against Atlanta.
What’s Next?
The action continues this Friday with a doubleheader on Prime Video. The Knicks will look to take a near-insurmountable lead against the 76ers at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the Spurs and Timberwolves battling to take control of their series at 9:30 p.m. ET. For more updates, fans can follow the official NBA live blog.
