Edwards scores 33, Timberwolves beat Spurs 151-131
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (1) scores between San Antonio Spurs center Gorgui Dieng (41) and guard Tre Jones (33) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, April 8, 2023, in Austin, Texas. Credit: AP/Stephen Spillman
AUSTIN — Anthony Edwards had 33 points in 25 minutes and the Minnesota Timberwolves routed San Antonio 151-131, the most points allowed in regulation under Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, on Saturday at the Moody Center.
Karl-Anthony Towns added 22 points, Mike Conley had 20 points and Rudy Gobert had 10 points and 13 rebounds for Minnesota.
The Timberwolves shot 56% on 3-pointers in winning for the sixth time in nine games. Minnesota will finish no lower than ninth in the Western Conference but still have a chance of passing New Orleans for eighth.
Julian Champagnie had 24 points to lead San Antonio, which will finish with one of the league’s three worst records. Keita Bates-Diop added 22 points and Tre Jones had 21 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds.
The Spurs’ final home game of the season was played in Austin. The Spurs played their final two games at the Moody Center on the campus of the University of Texas as part of the Spurs’ regional outreach initiative.
San Antonio struggled offensively with its entire starting lineup out with injury except for Jones.
Minnesota led by as many as 33 points.
San Antonio Spurs guard Tre Jones (33) goes to the basket between Minnesota Timberwolves forward Taurean Prince (12) and guard Jordan McLaughlin (6) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, April 8, 2023, in Austin, Texas. Credit: AP/Stephen Spillman
TIP-INS
Timberwolves: Minnesota co-owner Alex Rodriguez was sitting courtside near former San Antonio star Tony Parker. Popovich greeted Rodriguez prior to tip-off. … The Timberwolves split their four-game series with the Spurs this season. The average margin of victory in each game was 12.5 points.
Spurs: Popovich said the team sent C Zach Collins home after the finger he recently received stitches on began swelling. “Looks like some sort of infection,” Popovich said. Collins will not play in the Spurs’ finale Sunday in Dallas. … San Antonio honored former All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge following the first quarter. Aldridge recently announced his retirement after playing 16 seasons in the league, including 5 1/2 with the Spurs. Aldridge starred at Texas before being drafted by the Portland Trailblazers in 2006. … San Antonio finished 14-27 at home this season. The Spurs were 16-25 at home last season.
UP NEXT
San Antonio Spurs forward Dominick Barlow (26) dunks past Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, April 8, 2023, in Austin, Texas. Credit: AP/Stephen Spillman
Timberwolves: Host New Orleans on Sunday.
Spurs: At Dallas on Sunday.
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