Wolves Outlast Spurs in High-Octane Duel Behind Edwards’ Heroics and Late-Game Shooting Surge
If you're a fan of offense, this one had everything. From highlight-reel drives to a barrage of threes, the Timberwolves and Spurs lit up the scoreboard in a game that felt more like a shootout than a grind-it-out December matchup. But when the dust settled, it was Minnesota who found another gear in the fourth quarter, pulling away to a 125-112 win over San Antonio.
First Three Quarters: Fireworks and Fluctuations
The first half was a rollercoaster of runs, with both teams trading punches like heavyweights. San Antonio leaned on its defensive instincts early, turning Minnesota’s miscues into points at the other end. The Spurs racked up a 16-2 edge in points off turnovers in the first half alone - a major reason they held a slim lead at the break.
De’Aaron Fox once again set the tone for San Antonio, finishing with 25 points and 4 assists, while Devin Vassell stayed hot from the field, chipping in 22 points and 3 assists. Keldon Johnson added 22 points and 8 rebounds, using his physicality to give the Spurs a much-needed presence inside against Minnesota’s length.
Rookie Dylan Harper continues to impress. The 17-point outing was more than just numbers - it was the way he got them.
Confident drives, fearless finishes, and a few moments that had even the opposing broadcast booth comparing his game to a young Sean Elliott. That’s high praise, and Harper earned it.
For Minnesota, it was the usual suspects doing the heavy lifting. Anthony Edwards poured in 32 points and added 6 assists, though he also committed 7 turnovers.
Julius Randle was the glue, putting up a well-rounded stat line of 22 points, 12 assists, and 6 boards. In the second half, Naz Reid (15 points, 6 rebounds) and Donte DiVincenzo (18 points) stepped up in a big way, knocking down timely shots to help the Wolves seize control.
Fourth Quarter: Wolves Turn Up the Heat
Despite trailing 93-89 heading into the fourth, Minnesota flipped the switch. The Timberwolves hit a significant portion of their 17 total threes in the final frame, overwhelming a Spurs squad that had managed to stay in control for much of the night. The Wolves' shotmaking - especially from deep - proved too much to overcome.
Edwards, who had already been brilliant through three quarters, continued to hit tough shots, while Randle orchestrated the offense with poise and precision. And when Reid and DiVincenzo caught fire, it was the knockout blow San Antonio couldn’t recover from.
Key Sequences & Standout Moments
Let’s talk about Dylan Harper for a second. Late in the first quarter, he found himself staring down Rudy Gobert at the rim.
Most rookies might hesitate. Harper?
He backed up, sized up the 7-footer, and drove straight into his chest, finishing a tough layup over the outstretched arms of one of the league’s premier defenders. That’s not just confidence - that’s no fear.
Another standout moment came late in the first half. After converting a high-difficulty layup over Gobert, Harper sprinted back on defense, disrupted a Wolves drive, and then finished the play on the other end with a smooth transition lay-in. Just a textbook example of two-way effort.
And don’t sleep on the bounce pass he slipped through three defenders to Jeremy Sochan for a powerful dunk. That sequence had everything - vision, timing, and trust.
For San Antonio, Johnson’s spinning floater continues to be one of the most reliable weapons in their offensive arsenal. He’s developed a knack for using his strength and balance to create space in tight quarters, and that move is becoming a signature.
Game Rundown: Quarter by Quarter
The opening quarter was a track meet. The teams combined for 69 points, with Vassell hitting his first three shots and Edwards responding with back-to-back triples of his own. Despite Minnesota shooting the lights out early, San Antonio’s ball pressure and 18 points in the paint helped them close the quarter up 37-32.
In the second, Fox continued to attack, reaching 13 points early, while Harper’s drives added another layer to the Spurs’ offense. Minnesota didn’t get to the free throw line until more than 16 minutes into the game, but Randle and Edwards kept them within striking distance. Still, a couple of timely buckets from Fox helped the Spurs hang onto a 62-61 lead at the break.
The third quarter saw more back-and-forth action. Vassell and Champagnie hit key shots, and Johnson’s and-1 finish gave the Spurs an eight-point cushion.
San Antonio scored on eight straight possessions at one point - impressive against a Wolves defense that’s usually stingy. But Edwards answered with 13 points in the frame, and Minnesota kept clawing back.
The Spurs carried a 93-89 lead into the fourth, but momentum was already shifting.
Final Thoughts
San Antonio showed plenty of fight - especially considering they’re still playing without Victor Wembanyama. The backcourt of Fox and Vassell continues to shine, Harper looks more comfortable with each game, and Johnson remains a steady force up front. But Minnesota’s depth and shooting eventually wore them down.
When the Wolves are hitting shots like they did in the fourth, they’re tough to beat. Edwards’ ability to take over stretches, Randle’s playmaking, and the spark from Reid and DiVincenzo gave them the edge they needed. It was a game full of highlights, but in the end, it came down to execution - and Minnesota simply executed better when it mattered most.