Game 5 between the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves opened the way many expected after the controversial Victor Wembanyama’s ejection in Game 4. It was felt in the opening minutes as Wemby and Anthony Edwards went face-to-face.

Just four minutes into the game, the San Antonio crowd buzzed during a Spurs offensive possession. Ayo Dosunmu squared up to the big man, exchanging words before Edwards stepped in, per a X video via Hoops Central.

Ant-Man picked the big Frenchman and guarded him closely. Victor Wembanyama, in response, kept pushing Edwards away while trying to create space. This exchange set the tone for the rest of the matchup.

The growing tension followed after Wemby’s controversial elbow on Naz Reid during Game 4. It led to the big man’s first-ever career ejection after the officials slapped a Flagrant Foul 2.

Following the ejection, several factors fueled the tension.

Firstly, Coach Mitch Johnson’s words, standing up for Wemby at the post-game press conference, and the league’s decision not to issue additional punishment led to a lot of chatter. It potentially shifted the series toward retaliation and more physicality.

For instance, Draymond Green anticipated that the Wolves would get back at Wembanyama. 

He even warned, saying, “If nobody's coming back at those guys going back at Wemby, you lose the war. Because what he just did was set a tone,” DrayMagic said on 'The Draymond Green Show'. “You either go full force at it or get rolled over.” 

That intensity clearly carried into Game 5

Can the Wolves slow down Victor Wembanyama?

Anthony Edwards took up the challenge and guarded Victor Wembanyama on multiple occasions. Notably, during a second-quarter sequence, the Wolves superstar guarded Wemby right from the halfcourt and clamped him till the free-throw line. 

The 7‘ 4" big man had no option but to pass the ball, and Edwards forced a bad pass that led to an out-of-bounds turnover in the corner. After the possession, Ant-Man waved at Wemby as he jogged back on defense.

However, Wembanyama had come in prepared for Game 5, especially on the offensive end.

He exploded with 21 points and 11 rebounds in 17 minutes of the first half, helping the Spurs take a 12-point lead at halftime. Meanwhile, Edwards struggled, scoring just 8 points with a 2-5 FG. 

Clearly, Wemby won the first half of the battle, with the Spurs taking a 3-2 lead in this series after a 126-97 win in Game 5.

Can the Wolves fight back and win the next two quarters that would ultimately determine their stay in this postseason? Let us know what you think in the comments.

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Written by

Shahul Hameed

Edited by

Surjo Ray