Game Preview #6: Timberwolves at Spurs

Minnesota Timberwolves at San Antonio Spurs
Date: November 2, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
Location: Frost Bank Center
TV coverage: FanDuel Sports Network North
Radio reporting: Wolves App/iHeart Radio

Wolves fans, take a deep breath because it's going to be a quick turnaround. After last night's thrilling comeback against the Denver Nuggets – complete with heated atmosphere and near-brawls – the Timberwolves travel to San Antonio to take on the Spurs and the league's shiny new player, Victor Wembanyama. It's only October, but last night's win over the Nuggets felt like playoff basketball. Emotions ran high and every possession felt crucial as Minnesota earned a big win against its division rivals. Rudy Gobert went head-to-head with Nikola Jokic, suffered a defeat, and still managed to finish the game with convincing free throws and a defensive stance that ensured that Jokic's last three-point attempt was nothing more than a prayer was. If that wasn't enough drama for you, tonight's game has its own intrigue with the showdown between Gobert and French rookie phenom Wembanyama.

Meeting each other is never easy in this league. Given the emotional and physical toll of last night's exchange, the Wolves could be in for a real challenge in San Antonio. But here's the deal: there are no excuses. If this team has real playoff aspirations, they need to come in focused, take care of business and avoid the trap that a team like the Spurs could set, especially at home.

The French Connection: Rudy vs. Wembanyama

All eyes are on the match between Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama. It's like watching the old guard take on the next big thing – literally. These two could be the top contenders for Defensive Player of the Year, as Gobert already owns four trophies and Wemby is barely five games into his NBA career to claim his first. The league is buzzing about Wembanyama, and this is the perfect opportunity for Gobert to remind everyone why he is still one of the most dominant defenders in the game.

Let's face it: The basketball world can't wait to proclaim Wemby as the next great defensive force, but Rudy isn't ready to give up his crown just yet. He held his own against Jokic last night, and if he wants to continue to build on his redemption arc, tonight would be the best time to put a dent in Wemby's highlight reel. The naysayers are ready to hate Gobert at the first sign of a misstep, but Rudy has been here before. He knows what's at stake, and with his reputation on the line, I bet he'll bring the same fire to this duel.

Keep the lead

Wolves need to show the same intensity as last night, but it will be difficult. The game against Denver demanded a lot from them both physically and emotionally. You could feel the energy in the Target Center; There was a playoff atmosphere in October. Now they're in San Antonio, where the environment will be very different, but the challenge remains: maintaining the defensive edge.

If Minnesota can block the Spurs early, this could be over before it even begins. Last night we saw flashes of the defense functioning until Denver's shooters really got hot late in the game with Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon dropping threes like confetti. The Wolves can't afford to let the Spurs hang around, even if San Antonio lacks some crucial firepower. Devin Vassell is out, limiting the Spurs' scoring opportunities, but the Wolves would be wise not to underestimate their opponents. We've seen how a team that's overlooked can surprise you, and the Spurs are exactly the kind of combative team that could capitalize on any complacency.

Don't sleep on Spurs (again)

Look, we all remember last season when the Spurs pulled off a shocker with an epic fourth quarter comeback against the Wolves. It's not something you forget easily and hopefully Chris Finch and the Wolves haven't forgotten it either. Spurs may not be top playoff contenders, but they have just enough young talent – and just enough wildcard at Wemby – to cause problems if Wolves take their foot off the gas. The game plan should be simple: Don't give San Antonio any breathing room.

If they can keep up the defensive pressure and force San Antonio to make tough shots, it could lead to an early fall apart. And wouldn't that be a gift for a team that had a tough game against Denver? But to achieve that they need to stay disciplined, stay tough and show the same tenacity they showed in the final minutes last night.

Set the tone for the season

After a rocky start with losses to the Lakers and Mavericks, the Wolves are at .600 and have a chance to get to 4-2. It was a mixed bag with moments of brilliance and moments of disjointed play. But if they can get a win tonight in San Antonio, that would mean they have won four of their last five games. Given all the roster adjustments and rust to start the season, a 4-2 start wouldn't be anything to sneeze at and could make fans – and players – pretty optimistic about this team's journey.

This game isn't just about getting another win; It's about building momentum. It's about Minnesota proving on the second night of back-to-back games that it can handle business even after an emotionally charged game. If the Wolves come out with better than .650 balls in the first few weeks, I'd say we're in for a season worth looking forward to. And with that, the Timberwolves can look like a team ready to make some noise in a loaded Western Conference.

The conclusion

Tonight's game may not have the same hype as last night's game in Denver, but that doesn't mean it's any less important. This is the NBA where dynamics can change in an instant, and the Wolves will have to prove they can handle both the highlights of big wins and the rigors of back-to-back games against tough opponents. If they can stay focused, play smart and maintain their defensive line, this could be an easy night and give them a chance to rest their weary legs.

Let's see what they've got, Wolves fans. It's time to put last night's win behind us and move forward with a decisive performance against San Antonio. After all, if you want to be a contender, you have to prove you can do it every night, no matter who is on the other side of the court.