NBA: Despite Victor Wembanyamas record number of blocks, Spurs beaten at the start by Rudy Goberts Wolves.

The San Antonio Spurs were defeated at home, on Monday, during the first game of the Western Conference semi-finals.

Published on: May 5, 2026 at 09:32 Updated on: May 5, 2026 at 09:41

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Victor Wembanyama (in black) and Rudy Gobert, during the match between the Spurs and the Timberwolves, on May 4, 2026 in the NBA. (RONALD CORTES / AFP)

A home defeat to start off. The San Antonio Spurs were surprised on their home court by the Minnesota Timberwolves (104-102) on Monday, May 4, in the first game of their Western Conference semi-final, despite Victor Wembanyama setting a new shot-blocking record (12).

After qualifying against Portland in the first round (4-1), the Spurs and their French star, who is experiencing the playoffs for the first time, realized that the competition level rises as the rounds progress. The experienced Timberwolves seized the right moment to lead this best-of-seven series 1-0.

The highly anticipated duel between Victor Wembanyama, voted best defender of the year, and Rudy Gobert (seven points, 10 rebounds), four-time recipient of this award, took shape from the start. This set the stage for “Wemby” to challenge the visitors’ attempts at high altitude, leading with seven blocks by halftime and a total of 12 blocks, a new NBA record in a playoff game (previously 10).

22-year-old French player ended with an impressive triple-double (11 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, 12 blocks) but finished his evening frustrated due to his shooting inaccuracy. Victor Wembanyama shot 5 for 17, and even 0 for 8 from three-point range, making some mistakes including three turnovers. “I have to start by taking and making shots, using my energy better, as I used a lot of it on one side of the court. In attack, I also wasted energy on useless things for my team, it’s my fault,” commented the French player in a press conference.

“We have to do better, we have forty-eight hours to find solutions, and we will find them, I have no doubt,” he assured. Between these two defensively specialized teams, the score remained tight, with the margin never reaching 10 points, and 19 lead changes. Experience made the difference in favor of the Wolves, who aim for a third consecutive Western Conference final, while the Texan franchise returns to the playoffs for the first time since 2019. The next match between the two teams will take place on Wednesday, still in San Antonio.