The Timberwolves have fallen behind 1-2 in the series.
The Minnesota Timberwolves did a stellar job of containing San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama offensively in the first two games of the Western Conference Semifinals, but it was only a matter of time before he arrived in force.
That time came on Friday in Game 3 of the series. Wembanyama popped off for a playoff career-high 39 points while shooting 13-18 from the field while draining three triples in the process.
Not only was elite offensively, but Wembanyama continued to be his dominant self on the defensive end with 15 rebounds and five blocks along with a steal.
Wembanyama Dominates
The surrounding cast of the Spurs turned in solid performances and as a team they finished shooting 46% from the field, but their performances were all truly in service of Wembanyama's takeover.
Despite what the Spurs star was doing, the Timberwolves did their best to keep it competitive. The biggest factor in that was Anthony Edwards, who broke out for 32 points in his first game in the starting five this series since coming back from a knee injury.
At times Edwards and Wembanyama were going shot-for-shot and putting on a show that any matchup between the two Western Conference rivals typically promises.
What sunk Minnesota overall was the team's general lack of efficiency from the field. The Timberwolves shot just 38% from the field and 35% from three, but they managed to make up for that shooting deficit with sheer volume, taking 99 shots compared to just 86 by the Spurs.
Positives From Minnesota
Outside of Wembanyama, the Timberwolves were winning the physical battle and out-rebounded the Spurs 54-48, but as much as they were moving the ball and setting up looks for themselves, Minnesota simply couldn't get shots to fall for most of the game.
Without such a stellar performance from Wembanyama, the Timberwolves very well could have come away with a win in the game but unlike the first two games of the series, there was simply no answer for what San Antonio's center was able to do.
A game like Friday's is a harsh reminder of just how important it is to contain Wembanyama in order for Minnesota to succeed and it's something the Timberwolves definitely won't take lightly as they prepare for Game 4.
The step-up from Edwards is the most encouraging sign from the game despite the loss and if the Timberwolves can expect that kind of production from him going forward, they should be poised to bounce back.