The San Antonio Spurs locked in their next matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves and they are ready for step up in competition.
The San Antonio Spurs already knew they were in the second round of the NBA Playoffs, but got to find out their next opponent on Thursday night.
Their foe is none other than the Minnesota Timberwolves, who knocked off the Denver Nuggets as the short-handed and lower-seeded squad. While only one seed separates the Wolves from San Antonio's prior opponent, the Portland Trail Blazers, the Spurs view them as a big step-up in competition.
When speaking to the media on Friday, Victor Wembanyama remarked, "Portland is a pretty straightforward NBA team. I'm excited to play against teams that will challenge more of the tactical, technical basketball aspect."
Wemby's coach Mitch Johnson shared those sentiments. "They're physical. They try to impose their will and their competitiveness on you," he explained.
Thankfully for the Spurs, some of that fierceness may be tamed due to unfortunate circumstances. Minnesota went through the ringer in their win over the Nuggets, losing Donte DiVincenzo for the season followed by Anthony Edwards and Ayo Dosunmu for an shorter yet unknown timetable.
While those injuries are big factors, especially in Edwards, who is one of the league's true superstars alongside Wembanyama, Minnesota showcased their next-man-up mentality in Game 6 to clinch victory.
The hero in that matchup was Jaden McDaniels, as he exploded for 32 points and 10 rebounds. He's no stranger to the Spurs either, with an average of 16 points through three meetings with San Antonio.
As a team that's prided itself on depth all season, San Antonio is taking note of Minnesota's mentality.
"In terms of their style of play and their disposition and brand, I don’t think it changes too much. Obviously, they showed the type of character, resolve, and competitiveness they have," expressed Johnson, who has had to navigate injury woes all season, including the last series with Wembanyama.
This similar style also breeds a sense of respect from those on the court.
"Very saddened about all of their injuries, but we're excited. We're locked in. We know it's going to be harder than our first series," Wembanyama said.
He followed it up: "It's a team that forces you to be on for 48 minutes."
At first glance, it could appear that San Antonio has the massive upper hand after getting extra time off and being healthier than the Wolves. However, the Spurs are not buying into the narratives and are the first ones to express that nothing in postseason basketball is easy.
After taking out Portland in five games, Spurs fans will await to see if Minnesota poses the greater challenge that is Wemby and company are highlighting. Even if they do, it may not matter for a San Antonio squad that looks poised for more playoff success.