The San Antonio Spurs took a commanding step forward in the 2025-26 season NBA Playoffs on Friday night, grinding out a 115-108 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Playing in a hostile environment at the Target Center, the Spurs maintained their composure to secure a 2-1 lead in the best-of-7 series. This Game 3 victory marks a significant turning point, as San Antonio has now won two consecutive games after dropping the series opener earlier this month.
The decisive moment
The game was decided in a high-stakes final period where San Antonio’s veteran-like execution stifled a late Minnesota rally. With the score close midway through the fourth quarter, the Spurs utilized a balanced offensive attack to stretch the lead to seven points, a margin they would maintain until the final whistle. The Timberwolves, buoyed by their home crowd, attempted several late-game surges, but San Antonio’s defense remained stout throughout the closing minutes.
Minnesota struggled to generate critical stops during the game's final possessions, clearly feeling the absence of defensive specialist Donte DiVincenzo. Without his perimeter lockdown presence, the Timberwolves were unable to prevent the Spurs from finding high-quality looks when the game was on the line. San Antonio's ability to capitalize on these opportunities proved to be the difference in an otherwise evenly matched contest.
By the numbers
- Final Score: San Antonio Spurs 115, Minnesota Timberwolves 108
- Series Standing: San Antonio leads the best-of-7 series 2-1
- Game 1 Result: Minnesota Timberwolves 104, San Antonio Spurs 102
- Game 2 Result: San Antonio Spurs 133, Minnesota Timberwolves 95
- Margin of Victory: 7 points in Game 3
- Injuries: Minnesota's Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) and San Antonio's David Jones Garcia (Ankle) both remain sidelined
The statistical trend of the series has shifted dramatically since the opening tip-off. After a narrow two-point loss to start the postseason, San Antonio has outscored Minnesota by a combined 45 points over the last two contests, demonstrating a significant shift in momentum.
What it means
Taking a 2-1 lead on the road is often the hallmark of a team destined for a deep run in the 2025-26 season NBA Playoffs. For San Antonio, the win validates the tactical adjustments made after their Game 1 stumble and proves they can handle the physical nature of postseason basketball away from home. The victory also places immense pressure on the Timberwolves' coaching staff to find a solution for their depleted backcourt rotation.
Without DiVincenzo’s defensive versatility, Minnesota is struggling to contain the Spurs' perimeter playmakers, a problem that could prove fatal if not addressed immediately. San Antonio, despite losing David Jones Garcia to season-ending ankle surgery, appears to have found a rotation that can withstand the rigors of postseason basketball. The Spurs now hold all the momentum as they look to push their opponents to the brink of elimination.
What to watch next
The series remains in Minnesota for Game 4, which now serves as a season-defining moment for the Timberwolves. A win on their home floor would even the series at 2-2 and turn the matchup into a best-of-three sprint. However, if the Spurs can replicate their Friday night performance and take a 3-1 lead, they will return to San Antonio with multiple chances to close out the series and advance.