The Minnesota Timberwolves were left searching for answers after a 115-108 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals, a result that shifted the series to 2-1 in favor of San Antonio behind Victor Wembanyama’s 39-point explosion.
Rudy Gobert didn’t sugarcoat how the game slipped away in the final stretch, pointing to execution lapses and missed chances when the margin was razor-thin.
“They got some stops and they scored and they closed the game out,” Gobert said.
The Timberwolves had multiple chances to swing momentum but struggled to convert clean looks late in 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 said.
Defensively, Minnesota believed its effort was competitive, but Gobert pointed to structural breakdowns that proved costly against a Spurs team built around 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 punish second chances became a deciding factor, particularly in the fourth quarter where Minnesota briefly generated momentum through extra possessions.
“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 battled foul trouble and rotation disruptions, but Gobert emphasized that the margin of error in playoff basketball remains minimal.
“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 another layer of emotion, something Gobert downplayed in hindsight.
“That was pretty nuts. Yeah, it’s the playoffs. High emotions, high stakes, so it happens,” he said.
When asked about intervening during the moment, Gobert kept his explanation brief.
“Yeah, sure. They’re both sixty years old. Relax.”
Despite the loss, Gobert highlighted Anthony Edwards’ performance as a stabilizing force in a game that featured heavy offensive swings and physical matchups.
“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, continuing to anchor Minnesota’s offense alongside Naz Reid’s interior scoring and secondary creation.
Gobert also pointed to Victor Wembanyama’s dominance on both ends 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 centered on consistency rather than overhaul, as Minnesota attempts to level a series defined by momentum swings and late-game execution.
