Vassell, Wembanyama Lead Spurs To 113-112 Win Over Timberwolves

Both Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns scored 19 points each for Minnesota. Towns had a chance to win the game but missed a three-pointer at the buzzer.

Despite the win, San Antonio still holds the worst record in the Western Conference, contrasting with Minnesota’s position at the top. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich hailed the victory as the season’s best, made more remarkable by the bat incident.

“The best win we’ve had,” Popovich.

The game momentarily paused when a bat descended onto the court, leading to light-hearted moments. The Spurs’ mascot, The Coyote, eventually captured the bat, recalling a similar incident involving Manu Ginobili in 2009.

The bat’s presence caused various reactions among the Spurs players. Jeremy Sochan seemed intrigued, while Keldon Johnson admitted to being more frightened.

“I know my lane,” Johnson said. “Like, I’m borderline scared of the dark … so, the bat? That’s something like, nah, that ain’t really up my alley. I was more scared. ”

Wembanyama’s late three-pointer and Johnson’s critical free throws in the final moments set the stage for Towns’ missed buzzer-beater.

Johnson, who contributed 14 points, and Doug McDermott, whose three-pointer gave the Spurs their first lead since the game’s start, were pivotal. The Spurs also excelled from beyond the arc and in team play, with 35 assists on 46 baskets. Edwards praised the Spurs’ speed and tempo, particularly highlighting Tre Jones’ impact.

“They play fast,” Edwards said. “Tre Jones pushed the tempo every single time he touches the ball. So, that’s great for them.”

San Antonio outperformed Minnesota in the fourth quarter, with Sochan and Vassell scoring crucial points. Sochan’s recent performance, including 44 points over two games, drew particular praise from teammate Johnson.

“I tell him I’m so proud of him because I feel like it has been an up and down year for him,” Johnson said. “Just to see him flourish, there’s nothing that makes me happier to see after all adversity. He’s persevering and shining, and to see the smile and the energy that he’s bringing to the team, it’s really contagious. It makes me smile, man.”

The Timberwolves next face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night, while the Spurs host the Washington Wizards on the same evening.