San Antonio routs Minnesota, clinches series

San Antonio closed out Minnesota with a 139-109 win on Friday, May 15, at Target Center, sending the Spurs to the Western Conference finals. The Spurs won the series 4-2 and set up a matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to NBA box score data and published conference finals schedules. Stephon Castle led San Antonio with 32 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, and five Spurs scored at least 18 points. The result ended Minnesota's season two days after the Timberwolves had extended the series in Game 5. ### How complete was San Antonio's closeout? The Spurs led 36-27 after one quarter, 74-61 at halftime and 110-84 through three quarters, according to NBA.com box score data. San Antonio shot 49-for-88 from the field, or 55.7%, and made 18 of 38 from 3-point range. Castle's 32 points came on 11-for-16 shooting in under 30 minutes. De'Aaron Fox added 21 points and nine assists, Victor Wembanyama had 19 points and three blocks, and Julian Champagnie scored 18 points. San Antonio also dominated the glass. The Spurs finished with 60 rebounds to Minnesota's 29 and blocked 13 shots, numbers that underscored how little resistance the Timberwolves found around the rim. ### Which numbers best explain why Minnesota was eliminated? Minnesota shot 40-for-106 from the field, or 37.7%, and got only three points from Julius Randle. Rudy Gobert was held scoreless in 21 minutes, while Anthony Edwards scored 24 points on 9-for-26 shooting. The Timberwolves committed only five turnovers, but that was outweighed by San Antonio's efficiency and second-chance control. The Spurs had 12 offensive rebounds and 58 points in the paint, while Minnesota never got closer after halftime. Terrence Shannon Jr. scored 21 points off the bench and Naz Reid added 18, but Minnesota did not have enough frontcourt production to match San Antonio's balance. ### Who drove the Spurs' offense beyond Castle? Fox gave San Antonio pace and control early, finishing 8-for-10 from the field and 3-for-3 from deep. His nine assists helped the Spurs reach 34 total assists on 49 made baskets. Wembanyama played just over 27 minutes and still posted 19 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Devin Vassell added 11 points, and rookie Dylan Harper scored 15 on 6-for-8 shooting. The Spurs' starting group set the tone quickly. All five starters were in double figures by the end of the game, and San Antonio's bench kept the margin growing in the second half. ### How did this series turn in San Antonio's favor? San Antonio entered Game 6 with a 3-2 series lead and used a road closeout to avoid a deciding Game 7. NBA playoff listings show the Spurs won the series 4-2. Friday's result capped a second-round matchup that had featured two Minnesota wins but ended with San Antonio controlling the final game from the opening period. The 30-point margin was the largest of the series. The victory also moved a young Spurs core one round further in a postseason run built around Castle, Wembanyama and Fox, with veteran support from Champagnie, Vassell and Harrison Barnes. ### What comes next against Oklahoma City? Published conference finals schedules from The Oklahoman and Thunder Wire list Game 1 between Oklahoma City and San Antonio for Monday in Oklahoma City. The Thunder had already advanced before Friday's result, giving them extra rest before the series opens. Oklahoma City and San Antonio now meet for the Western Conference title and a berth in the NBA Finals. The schedule published Friday lists the opening game in Oklahoma City, with the series shifting to San Antonio later in the week. Monday's opener will be the next milestone for both teams, with Oklahoma City hosting San Antonio to start the Western Conference finals.