The Minnesota Timberwolves were left searching for answers following a 115-108 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals, a loss that put the series at 2-1 in favor of San Antonio, fueled by Victor Wembanyama’s explosive 39-point performance.
Rudy Gobert didn’t hold back in describing how the game slipped away down the stretch, citing breakdowns in execution and missed opportunities when the margin was tight.
“They got some stops and they scored and they closed the game out,” Gobert said.
The Timberwolves had several chances to shift momentum but failed to convert quality looks in the final moments of possessions.
“There was a lot of good looks there. I got to rewatch the video, but yeah, there was a lot of good looks. Some of them not as good. Sometimes that’s what it takes at the end of the game,” he explained.
Defensively, Minnesota thought its effort was solid, but Gobert pointed to structural issues that hurt them against a Spurs lineup built on spacing and rim pressure.
“I thought our effort was great. I just think we fouled a little too much and we gave them too many offensive rebounds, especially in the second half.”
San Antonio’s ability to extend possessions and capitalize on second chances proved decisive, especially in the fourth quarter when Minnesota briefly built momentum through extra opportunities.
“That’s something we want to do every second on the floor. I thought we didn’t do it much in the first half, but we have to be consistent with that,” Gobert said.
The Wolves also faced foul trouble and rotation challenges, but Gobert stressed that the margin for error in playoff basketball is extremely small.
“It’s a really good team going against really good teams. So every game is going to be different, but every game is going to be a battle. Tonight they won. We have another opportunity on Sunday.”
A heated sideline exchange involving officials and Minnesota’s coaching staff added to the emotion, though Gobert downplayed it afterward.
“That was pretty nuts. Yeah, it’s the playoffs. High emotions, high stakes, so it happens,” he said.
When asked about stepping in during the incident, Gobert kept it simple.
“Yeah, sure. They’re both sixty years old. Relax.”
Despite the loss, Gobert praised Anthony Edwards’ performance as a steadying factor in a game marked by offensive swings and physical play.
“It was great. It’s great to have him almost fully back. He’s still finding his rhythm, but just having him out there is huge for us,” Gobert said.
Edwards finished with 32 points and 14 rebounds, anchoring Minnesota’s offense alongside Naz Reid’s interior scoring and secondary playmaking.
Gobert also highlighted Victor Wembanyama’s two-way dominance as the defining matchup challenge of the series so far.
“He had a great game. He was very, very efficient. Hit some big shots down the stretch. So, big game.”
With Game 4 set for Sunday in Minneapolis, Gobert’s message focused on staying consistent rather than making drastic changes, as Minnesota looks to even a series defined by momentum swings and late-game execution.
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