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A record-breaking defensive performance from Victor Wembanyama was not enough to prevent the Minnesota Timberwolves taking a 1-0 lead against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA’s Conference semi-finals.<\/b><\/p>\n
Wembanyama made 12 blocks – a record for the NBA play-offs – but Minnesota, sixth seed in the Western Conference, upset second seed San Antonio by claiming a 104-102 win on the road on Monday.<\/p>\n
The defensive player of the year added 11 points and 15 rebounds, becoming the third player to get a triple-double in the play-offs including blocks since the league began tracking blocks in 1973-74.<\/p>\n
Anthony Edwards returned from a knee injury for the Timberwolves and scored 18 points from the bench as they held on to win the opening game of the best-of-seven series.<\/p>\n
San Antonio remain at home for game two on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
“We have to be better,” said Wembanyama. “We need to figure it out in the next 48 hours, and I’ve got no doubt that we will. I would trust us.”<\/p>\n
The New York Knicks made a commanding start to their series with the Philadelphia 76ers, winning 137-98 at home.<\/p>\n
The Knicks, who are the third seed in the Eastern Conference, became the first NBA team to win three straight play-off games by at least 25 points.<\/p>\n
Jalen Brunson scored 27 of his game-high 35 points in the first half while London-born forward OG Anunoby finished with 18.<\/p>\n
After beating the Atlanta Hawks 140-89 on Thursday, the Knicks became just the second team in NBA history to end one series and begin another with consecutive victories by at least 30 points.<\/p>\n
“Wasn’t any fun to be a part of, to be honest,” said 76ers coach Nick Nurse. “But it’s 0-1. Doesn’t really matter if it’s six points or 36 or whatever the hell it was.”<\/p>\n
Game two is scheduled for New York’s Madison Square Garden on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n