Spurs clinch series with 139–109 Game 6 rout of Timberwolves

The San Antonio Spurs closed out Minnesota on May 15 with a 139-109 win in Game 6 at Target Center, sending them to the Western Conference finals after a 4-2 series victory. San Antonio put five starters in double figures and shot 55.7% from the field, according to the NBA box score. Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 32 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, while De’Aaron Fox added 21 points and nine assists. Minnesota got 24 points from Anthony Edwards, but the Timberwolves shot 34.6% and never matched San Antonio’s pace after the game turned. ### How decisive was Game 6? The 30-point margin was San Antonio’s largest win of the series-clincher and one of the most lopsided results of the second round, according to NBA game data. The Spurs finished 49-for-88 from the field, hit 18 three-pointers and posted 34 assists on 49 made baskets. They also outrebounded Minnesota 60-42. San Antonio’s starters set the tone early and the bench kept the lead intact. Victor Wembanyama had 19 points, six rebounds and three blocks in 27 minutes, and Julian Champagnie scored 18 points with four three-pointers. Dylan Harper added 15 points off the bench. ### Which Spurs numbers told the story? Stephon Castle’s line stood out most. The guard shot 11-for-16 from the field and 5-for-7 from three-point range, while also leading the team in rebounds. Fox shot 8-for-10 and did not miss from three, giving San Antonio efficient scoring from both backcourt spots. The Spurs’ overall efficiency separated the teams. San Antonio shot 47.4% from three-point range and 85.2% from the foul line, according to the official box score. Minnesota went 2-for-7 from three with Edwards and got three points combined from Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert. ### Where did Minnesota fall behind? Minnesota’s top frontcourt players did not produce enough to extend the series. Julius Randle scored three points on 1-for-8 shooting, and Rudy Gobert was held scoreless in 21 minutes, according to the NBA box score. Jaden McDaniels finished with 13 points, but the Timberwolves’ starting group was heavily outscored. Anthony Edwards carried most of the offense with 24 points, but his shooting line — 9-for-26 from the field and 4-for-7 at the line — underscored how difficult the night became. Ayo Dosunmu added 10 points, and no other Minnesota player reached double figures among the starters listed in the official box score excerpt. ### How balanced was San Antonio’s rotation? Five San Antonio players scored at least 11 points before deep reserves closed the game. Castle had 32, Fox had 21, Wembanyama had 19, Champagnie had 18 and Devin Vassell added 11. Luke Kornet contributed six points and four blocks in 14 minutes. The distribution matched the Spurs’ assist total. San Antonio recorded 34 assists and placed six players at two assists or more, with Fox leading the group at nine. The Spurs also blocked 13 shots, with Wembanyama and Kornet combining for seven. ### What does the result set up next? Friday’s result ended the Western Conference semifinal series at 4-2 and moved San Antonio into the conference finals, according to NBA.com’s game summary. The NBA playoff schedule will determine the Spurs’ next opponent and game date as the remaining bracket is completed. May 15 also marked the end of Minnesota’s season after the Timberwolves forced the series to a sixth game. San Antonio’s next appearance will come in the Western Conference finals, with the league’s postseason bracket and schedule page listing the matchup once the opposing series is settled. (nba.com)