A New Power Clash: The Spurs and Timberwolves Are Taking Over the West.

Written By: Kekoa O’Neil

Contributor | Sideline Society Media

Coming off impressive first round wins, the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs are slated to meet in the Western Conference Semifinals. The Spurs made quick work of their first round opponent the Portland Trailblazers completing a “gentleman’s sweep” and beating them 4-1. The Timberwolves pulled off the upset in round 1 beating the number 3 seed Denver Nuggets even with losing their star player Anthony Edwards to a hyper extended knee and starting point guard Donte Divincenzo in game 4.

Minnesota ended up winning the series 4-2 when everyone coming in had picked the Nuggets to win. One of the most surprising aspects coming into this series is the depth of both teams. It was certainly showcased with Minnesota losing two of their starters. As for San Antonio you saw their backcourt depth in game 3 as rookie point guard Dylan Harper scoring a career high 27 points and securing 10 rebounds.

He became the youngest player in NBA history to record such stats off the bench in a playoff game. This being without their superstar center Victor Wembanyama as he was in concussion protocol for game 3. The depth of the Timberwolves was on full display as well as trade deadline acquisition Ayo Dosunmu scored a playoff career high 43 points off the bench after Edwards and Divencenzo left the game due injury. The 6th man of the year candidate Naz Reid is always a factor to watch out for as well even when the team is fully healthy.

It’ll be interesting to see who Jaden McDaniels guards as he shut down Jamal Murray of the Nuggets due to his height and massive wingspan. I do think we are in for a grind it out type series with two alternating styles of play. Minnesota is known for their physicality and it’ll be up to the Spurs to combat this with their pace and space style of play. Even with Anthony Edwards expected to return from his hyperextended knee injury for game 1.

I do think the Spurs youth and quick guard play along with superstar Victor Wembanyama's heroics, will carry them to a 4-2 series victory. This would put the Spurs in their first Western Conference Final since 2014.