The Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs have played 148 combined games since these franchises first met. The Spurs hold a 95-45 regular season record advantage, establishing dominance that spans nearly two decades.
But the 2025-26 season is telling a different story. Anthony Edwards scored a career-high 55 points in the Spurs’ 126-123 victory on January 17, 2026, with Victor Wembanyama countering with 39 points.
This isn’t just about statistics anymore. It’s about the emergence of two young franchises colliding at critical moments in their competitive windows.
All-Time Head-To-Head Record
The Spurs have dominated this matchup historically. San Antonio leads 101-43 overall, including a 95-41 regular season advantage. The disparity reflects decades of Spurs consistency under Gregg Popovich’s coaching tenure.
But context matters. The Timberwolves currently hold a four-game winning streak against the Spurs, the longest streak they’ve ever achieved in this series. This recent run suggests the balance is shifting.
Regular Season vs Playoff Records
| Setting | Spurs | Timberwolves | Notes |
| Regular Season | 95-41 | 45-95 | Spurs dominant historically |
| Playoffs | 6-2 | 2-6 | Spurs playoff supremacy |
| Overall | 101-43 | 47-101 | Spurs lead 70.1% of games |
The playoff record tells the real story. The Spurs have won 6 of 8 playoff meetings, eliminating Minnesota twice in postseason play. When stakes are highest, San Antonio has shown championship-caliber poise.
Yet regular season momentum is building for Minnesota. The Timberwolves understand they need to perform against elite competition heading into the playoffs.
The Wembanyama-Edwards Rivalry Emerges
What once seemed like a distant playoff conversation is now a current Western Conference narrative. Victor Wembanyama’s 39 points and crucial late-game plays led the Spurs past Edwards and the Timberwolves 126-123.
The matchup featured back-and-forth scoring in the final minutes that electrified NBA fans.
Edwards delivered 55 points on 19-of-33 shooting, including 9-of-16 from three-point range, with 8-of-10 free throws. His performance was historic by individual standards. Yet it wasn’t enough.
Edwards acknowledged the duel afterward, stating “I love it. I wish we could’ve just moved everybody out of the way…me vs. him,” showing his respect for the competitive challenge Wembanyama represents.
Wembanyama responded with perspective, saying “It’s an honor” to face Edwards and noting how elite matchups push both players to elevate their games.
2025-26 Season Series Context
The 2025-26 season has been defined by tight contests and exceptional individual performances.
In Minnesota’s 104-103 January 12 victory, Edwards hit a floater with 16.8 seconds remaining to complete a 19-point fourth-quarter comeback. The Timberwolves had trailed by 19 at halftime but refused to surrender.
Wembanyama was limited to 13 points in the second half during that loss, as Minnesota’s defensive adjustments proved effective in crunch time.
Three games defined their season series. In their earlier matchup, the Timberwolves won comfortably at home, showing they could execute their offense against Spurs’ defensive schemes.
Then came the San Antonio victory on January 17, where Wembanyama’s clutch performance separated these Western Conference contenders.
Season Series Summary
| Game | Date | Winner | Score | Key Performance |
| Game 1 | January 11 | Timberwolves | 125-112 | Edwards dominant early |
| Game 2 | January 11 | Timberwolves | 104-103 | Edwards 4th quarter heroics |
| Game 3 | January 17 | Spurs | 126-123 | Wembanyama late clutch plays |
The Spurs improved to 29-13 with the win, edging Denver for second place in the Western Conference, while the Timberwolves held fourth at 27-16.
The Supporting Cast Difference
While Edwards and Wembanyama commanded headlines, the supporting players determined outcomes. In San Antonio’s January 17 victory, Keldon Johnson contributed 20 points off the bench and hit a crucial late three-pointer with 17.8 seconds remaining.
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The Spurs outscored Minnesota 39-17 in bench points, a significant margin that ultimately decided the game despite Edwards’ historic scoring night.
This bench depth advantage has been crucial across their season series. While Edwards dominates scoring, the Timberwolves need secondary creators and reliable role players to match San Antonio’s consistency.
Historical Context: When They Last Met In Playoffs
The Timberwolves and Spurs have met in the NBA playoffs just twice, with San Antonio winning both series.
Those playoff meetings were character-defining moments, establishing San Antonio as the postseason favorite in head-to-head competition.
But playoff history doesn’t guarantee future outcomes. The emergence of Edwards and Wembanyama as franchise cornerstones has shifted the competitive dynamic.
Minnesota no longer enters matchups as underdogs; they enter as legitimate Western Conference contenders.
Wembanyama’s Evolution This Season
Wembanyama shot 12-for-23 from the field and 4-for-9 from three-point range in the January 17 victory, showing elite efficiency from multiple ranges.
His development as a scorer has been critical to the Spurs’ competitive positioning.
Edwards acknowledged Wembanyama’s physical growth, noting “He done put on a lot of weight. I was trying to box him out, he done put on a lot of weight. I can see from a distance that he has worked”.
This matters defensively and offensively. Wembanyama’s added strength makes him harder to move in the post, while his elite shooting creates spacing problems for Minnesota’s defense.
Edwards’ Scoring Trajectory
Edwards averaged 36.7 points across three games against the Spurs this season, establishing himself as one of the few players capable of outscoring Wembanyama consistently. His 55-point performance represents the high-water mark of his scoring potential.
The 55-point game surpassed his previous career high of 53 points and marked his second career 50-plus point game. When healthy and motivated, Edwards can take over games against anyone in the league.
Yet individual scoring excellence hasn’t translated to winning the season series. That disconnect highlights the importance of team execution, particularly in the fourth quarter.
Conference Implications
The January 17 game represented the final scheduled matchup between these teams in the 2025-26 season. That single result becomes significant for playoff seeding and tiebreaker scenarios.
With the Spurs holding a 29-13 record and the Timberwolves at 27-16, both teams are positioned for playoff runs. Head-to-head records matter for seeding purposes, particularly if teams finish with similar win totals.
Western Conference Standings Implications
| Stat Category | Timberwolves | Spurs | Advantage |
| Wins (29 games in) | 27 | 29 | Spurs |
| Conference Position | 4th | 2nd | Spurs |
| Remaining Schedule | Difficult | Mixed | Similar |
The Spurs’ position ahead of Denver gives them leverage in playoff positioning. The Timberwolves must string together wins against elite competition to secure a higher seed.
The Narrative Going Forward
Wembanyama addressed the broader conversation about being the league’s “face,” emphasizing authenticity and longevity over labels. He’s building a career focused on winning and continuous improvement rather than individual accolades.
Edwards similarly has rejected the “face of the league” designation. Edwards reiterated “he would rather be himself than be the league’s featured star”, focusing on team success over personal branding.
This maturity from both franchises’ young stars suggests a rivalry built on mutual respect and competitive excellence rather than manufactured drama.
Historical Streaks and Trends
The Spurs once held a 16-game winning streak against Minnesota from April 2007 to January 2011. That dominance defined an era when San Antonio’s roster construction consistently outlasted Minnesota’s offerings.
The Timberwolves’ current four-game winning streak against the Spurs marks one of their longest runs in franchise history against this opponent. Sustainability will determine whether this represents a true shift or a temporary momentum swing.
What’s At Stake Going Forward
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson noted that Wembanyama “embraces those moments” and “wants the basketball, and is looking for opportunities,” emphasizing how he thrives in clutch competitive situations.
For the Timberwolves, proving they can win consistently against elite competition is essential for playoff credibility. Minnesota has the talent to compete with anyone, but execution in high-leverage moments has been inconsistent.
FAQs
What is the all-time Spurs-Timberwolves record?
The Spurs lead 101-43 overall, with a 95-41 regular season advantage. This historical dominance reflects decades of Spurs consistency, though the gap is closing with Minnesota’s recent success.
How many points did Anthony Edwards score against the Spurs?
Edwards scored a career-high 55 points in the Spurs’ 126-123 victory on January 17, 2026, including 26 points in the fourth quarter during Minnesota’s comeback attempt.
What was Victor Wembanyama’s performance in recent matchups?
Wembanyama scored 39 points with 9 rebounds in the 126-123 January 17 victory, making clutch late-game plays including his 20-footer with 53 seconds remaining.
Have the Timberwolves and Spurs met in the playoffs?
Yes, the teams have met twice in the playoffs with San Antonio winning both series 2-0. Future playoff meetings will determine whose franchise truly dominates this matchup.
What is the Timberwolves’ current winning streak against San Antonio?
Minnesota currently holds a four-game winning streak against the Spurs, the longest such streak in franchise history against this opponent.
How do Edwards and Wembanyama view their matchup?
Edwards said “I love it. I wish we could’ve just moved everybody out of the way…me vs. him,” while Wembanyama called it “an honor” and noted how elite competition pushes both players to improve.
What was the final scheduled game between these teams in 2025-26?
The January 17 game in San Antonio represented the final scheduled matchup between the Timberwolves and Spurs for the 2025-26 season.
How did the Spurs’ bench perform in their January 17 victory?
San Antonio’s bench outscored Minnesota’s 39-17, with Keldon Johnson contributing 20 points including a crucial late three-pointer.
What is Edwards’ average scoring against the Spurs this season?
Edwards averaged 36.7 points across three games against the Spurs in the 2025-26 season, showcasing his ability to take over games against elite defenses.
