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The Minnesota Timberwolves walked into San Antonio as heavy underdogs and walked out with a statement win. A 104-102 result in Game 1 shifted early momentum in the Western Conference semifinals, but the story centered on one player who was not even expected to suit up, per Yahoo. Anthony Edwards returned from a knee injury that many believed would keep him sidelined longer.

He came off the bench, played limited minutes, and still delivered one of the most impactful performances of the night, ESPN reports. Edwards finished with 18 points on efficient shooting, giving Minnesota a needed offensive spark in a game where scoring came at a premium.

After the game, Edwards framed the moment through the environment he embraced.

“I mean, everybody in the arena is against us. That’s the best thing about it,” Edwards said. “You start on the road, everybody got on pink, blue, whatever color shirts there is, chanting ‘Go Spurs Go,’ doing all that and I’m with Minnesota. I got Minnesota’s back at all times. I’m out there with my brothers and we’re going to war.”

Anthony Edwards Accelerates Return, Delivers 

Edwards pushed his way back faster than expected. After a week of rehab that included underwater treadmill work and band exercises, he tested his knee in practice and convinced team staff he could go. Entering the weekend, most projections pointed to a later return in the series. By Monday morning, that timeline changed.

Veteran guard Mike Conley captured the surprise surrounding the decision.

“Nobody expected him to play,” Conley said. “I called him my hero before the game.”

Minnesota kept Edwards on a minutes restriction, limiting him to 25 minutes off the bench. He made those minutes count. He attacked defenders, found bursts off the dribble, and scored 11 of his 18 points in the final stretch to help close the game.

Edwards also acknowledged the mental side of his performance.

“I know for a fact that me being out there calms everybody down,” he said.

Timberwolves Hold Off Spurs Rally in Tight Finish

Game 1 never allowed either team to pull away comfortably. Minnesota built a late nine-point lead after a key three-pointer from Conley, but San Antonio responded with a late push behind De’Aaron Fox, Victor Wembanyama, and others.

The Spurs cut the deficit to two in the final seconds after a turnover led to a quick score. They had a chance to win at the buzzer, but a clean look from three missed, sealing the Wolves’ narrow victory.

Despite the win, Edwards did not shy away from his late-game mistakes.

“Man, I made so many mistakes at the end of the game. I’m disappointed in myself,” he said. “For me, 75 percent of the game is my mind. My mind has got to be where it needs to be in. In the last two minutes of the game, it wasn’t. I gave up two offensive rebounds, turned the ball over. Yeah, I’ll be better.”

There were moments where Edwards showed signs of working back into form. He grabbed at his knee briefly and admitted he lacked full lift late. Even so, his presence changed the game. He created offense, steadied the group, and helped Minnesota execute just enough down the stretch.

The Timberwolves backed that effort with defense. They limited San Antonio’s top players to inefficient shooting and held the Spurs to 45 points in the first half. That defensive pressure, combined with Edwards’ return, gave Minnesota an early edge in the series.

Game 1 delivered a clear message. Edwards may not be fully back, but he already impacts winning.