By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Following a Game 1 loss in the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, the San Antonio Spurs responded with a 133–95 blowout victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center on Tuesday, leveling the best-of-seven series at 1–1.
The charge was led by French sensation Victor Wembanyama, whose early offensive explosion helped the hosts build a staggering 25-point lead before halftime. While Wemby’s defensive masterclass defined Game 1, his 14 points by the break ensured the Spurs did not need similar heroics to control Game 2. The 22-year-old big finished the night with a 19-point, 15-rebound double-double, adding two blocks, two assists, and one steal in just 26 minutes of play, as the significant lead allowed coach Mitch Johnson to rest all key players.
On the other side of the floor, fellow French starting center Rudy Gobert struggled to find his rhythm throughout the contest, reaching five points, ten rebounds, and one assist in 28 minutes of action. Their compatriot, Joan Beringer, entered in the fourth quarter to register seven points and three rebounds, while Italian starter Donte DiVincenzo remained sidelined with a torn right Achilles tendon.
Earlier at Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks moved to a 2–0 lead in the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a 108–102 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. British starter OG Anunoby was instrumental in the victory, pouring in 24 points alongside a versatile defensive stat line before a late leg injury forced him to an early exit.
In the absence of Mitchell Robinson, German center Ariel Hukporti provided European minutes off the bench, contributing two points and three rebounds. The rotation also saw a brief, though unproductive, appearance by Polish forward Jeremy Sochan, while French youngsters Pacome Dadiet and Mohamed Diawara remained on the bench.
The Sixers, playing without Joel Embiid, leaned on Turkish reserve Adem Bona, who managed two points and seven rebounds despite battling early foul trouble.
In a contest that featured 25 lead changes, the most in a playoff game in over a decade, the Knicks’ depth eventually proved decisive.
Both best-of-seven series now shift locations for Game 3 on Friday, moving to the Target Center and the Xfinity Mobile Arena.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 4-3 (101-112, 98-83, 105-113, 88-94, 116-109, 93-79, 116-94)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 4-3 (126-113, 115-105, 104-126, 89-93, 125-120, 110-112, 114-102)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 4-2 (113-102, 106-107, 108-109, 114-98, 126-97, 140-89)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 3-4 (123-91, 97-111, 108-100, 128-96, 97-113, 93-106, 100-109)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Detroit Pistons – Cleveland Cavaliers 1-0 (111-101)
6. New York Knicks – Philadelphia 76ers 2-0 (137-98, 108-102)
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
Western Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns 4-0 (119-84, 120-107, 121-109, 131-122)
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 4-2 (107-98, 101-94, 112-108, 96-115, 93-99, 98-78)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 2-4 (126-115, 114-119, 96-113, 96-112, 125-113, 98-110)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers 4-1 (111-98, 103-106, 120-108, 114-93, 114-95)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Oklahoma City Thunder – Los Angeles Lakers 1-0 (108-90)
6. San Antonio Spurs – Minnesota Timberwolves 1-1 (102-104, 133-95)
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
NBA Finals 2026 (best-of-seven)
Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions