Timberwolves Catch Huge Break After Wembanyama Decision

The Minnesota Timberwolves caught a major break ahead of their pivotal Western Conference semifinal showdown against the San Antonio Spurs.

Just after Victor Wembanyama avoided further suspension following his shocking Game 4 ejection, San Antonio revealed another potentially massive concern: star guard De’Aaron Fox is listed as questionable for Tuesday night’s Game 5 because of left ankle soreness.

The series is tied 2-2 entering the critical matchup in San Antonio.

Timberwolves Receive Huge Break Before Spurs Game 5

GettyDe’Aaron Fox was listed as questionable for the Spurs’ pivotal Game 5 matchup against the Timberwolves as San Antonio attempts to regain control of the tied playoff series alongside Victor Wembanyama.

Fox’s injury designation immediately became one of the biggest storylines entering Game 5 after the veteran point guard helped nearly rescue the Spurs following Wembanyama’s early exit Sunday night.

Fox has averaged 16.8 points, 4.0 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.8 steals through four games in the series while serving as San Antonio’s secondary offensive engine behind Wembanyama.

The ankle soreness is considered a new issue for Fox, who has not missed a game since March 25.

If Fox cannot play, the Spurs would likely lean more heavily on rookie Dylan Harper and veteran wing Keldon Johnson to absorb extra offensive responsibilities.

That development could dramatically shift the series momentum toward Minnesota after the Timberwolves clawed back from an eight-point fourth-quarter deficit in Game 4.

Victor Wembanyama Cleared After Flagrant 2 Ejection

The Timberwolves had initially feared the NBA might allow Wembanyama to return without missing time after his controversial Flagrant 2 ejection.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the league ultimately decided not to suspend the All-Star big man beyond Sunday’s automatic ejection penalty.

Wembanyama was tossed with 8:39 remaining in the second quarter after striking Naz Reid in the jaw and neck area while battling for a rebound.

Officials upgraded the play to a Flagrant 2 after video review.

Despite losing Wembanyama for nearly three quarters, San Antonio still pushed Minnesota deep into the fourth quarter before Anthony Edwards delivered another playoff takeover performance.

Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves Regain Momentum in Series

Edwards scored 36 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, to help Minnesota even the series and reclaim home-court momentum.

His catch-and-shoot 3-pointer with just over five minutes remaining gave Minnesota its first lead since midway through the third quarter.

Rudy Gobert and Reid then dominated inside without Wembanyama protecting the rim.

Gobert finished with 11 points and 13 rebounds, while Reid added 15 points and nine boards despite taking the elbow that triggered Wembanyama’s ejection.

“We have a resilient group of guys,” Gobert said. “No matter the circumstances, we are going to keep fighting and give everything we have and keep trusting one another.”

Minnesota also survived several shaky defensive stretches after briefly struggling to capitalize on Wembanyama’s absence.

“When every team is missing their best player, everybody plays free,” Edwards said. “They get more shots, more confident. So I think it was a lot harder on us.”

Timberwolves Suddenly Facing Major Opportunity

Now, the Timberwolves may be staring at an even bigger opportunity.

Minnesota already proved it could survive Wembanyama’s dominance by tying the series.

But if Fox is either limited or unavailable Tuesday night, the Spurs’ offense could face significantly more pressure against Minnesota’s physical defense and Edwards’ rising playoff momentum.

With the Western Conference finals looming for the winner, Fox’s health may ultimately become the factor that swings the series.

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