Game Preview #6: Timberwolves at Spurs

Minnesota Timberwolves at San Antonio Spurs
Date: November 2nd, 2024
Time: 7:00PM CDT
Location: Frost Bank Center
Television Coverage: FanDuel Sports Network North
Radio Coverage: Wolves App/iHeart Radio

Wolves fans, take a deep breath because it’s going to be a quick turnaround. After last night’s nail-biting comeback against the Denver Nuggets—complete with high tempers and near-brawls—the Timberwolves are off to San Antonio to face the Spurs and the league’s shiny new toy, Victor Wembanyama. It’s only October, but last night’s win over the Nuggets felt like playoff basketball. Emotions were running hot, and every possession felt crucial as Minnesota clawed their way to a big win against their division rivals. Rudy Gobert went head-to-head with Nikola Jokic, took a beating, and still managed to close out the game with clutch free throws and a defensive stand that made sure Jokic’s final three-point attempt was nothing but a prayer. If that wasn’t enough drama for you, tonight’s game has its own intrigue with the showdown between Gobert and the rookie phenom from France, Wembanyama.

Back-to-backs are never easy in this league. Tack on the emotional and physical toll of last night’s slugfest, and the Wolves could be facing a real grind in San Antonio. But here’s the deal—there are no excuses. If this team has real playoff ambitions, they need to come in focused, handle business, and avoid the trap that a team like the Spurs could set, especially on their home floor.

The French Connection: Rudy vs. Wembanyama

All eyes are on the matchup between Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama. It’s like watching the old guard face the next big thing—literally. These two could be the top contenders for Defensive Player of the Year, with Gobert already owning four trophies and Wemby hyped up to snatch his first one barely five games in his NBA career. The league is buzzing over Wembanyama, and this is the perfect chance for Gobert to remind everyone why he’s still one of the most dominant defenders in the game.

Let’s be real: The basketball world can’t wait to defeat Wemby as the next great defensive force, but Rudy’s not ready to hand over his crown just yet. Last night, he held his own against Jokic, and if he wants to keep building his redemption arc, tonight would be a prime time to throw a wrench in Wemby’s highlight reel. The naysayers are ready to pour their hate on Gobert at the first sign of a misstep, but Rudy’s been here before. He knows the stakes, and with his reputation on the line, I’d bet he’s bringing the same fire to this matchup.

Keeping the Edge

The Wolves need to bring the same intensity they had last night, but it’ll be tough. That game against Denver took a lot out of them, both physically and emotionally. You could feel the energy in Target Center; it was a playoff atmosphere in October. Now, they’re on the road in San Antonio, where the environment will be much different, but the challenge remains: keep that defensive edge.

If Minnesota can lock down the Spurs early, this could be over before it begins. We saw flashes of that defense working last night until Denver’s shooters 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 is missing some key firepower. Devin Vassell is out, which limits the Spurs’ scoring options, but the Wolves would be wise not to underestimate their opponent. We’ve seen how a team that’s overlooked can surprise you, and the Spurs are exactly the kind of scrappy team that could capitalize on any complacency.

Don’t Sleep on the Spurs (Again)

Look, we all remember last season when the Spurs pulled off a shocker against the Wolves with an epic fourth-quarter comeback. It’s not something you forget easily, and hopefully, Chris Finch and the Wolves haven’t. The Spurs might not be a prime playoff contender, but they’ve got just enough young talent—and just enough of a wildcard in Wemby—to cause problems if the Wolves let their foot off the gas. The game plan should be simple: don’t give San Antonio any breathing room.

If they can keep the defensive pressure on and force San Antonio into tough shots, this could turn into a blowout early. And wouldn’t that be a gift for a team coming off an exhausting game against Denver? But to make that happen, they’ll need to stay disciplined, lock in, and bring that same tenacity they showed in the closing minutes last night.

Setting the Tone for the Season

After a rocky start with losses to the Lakers and Mavericks, the Wolves are sitting at .600 with a chance to get to 4-2. It’s been a mixed bag, with flashes of brilliance alongside moments of disjointed play. But if they can pull off a win tonight in San Antonio, that would mean they’ve taken four of their last five games. Given all the roster adjustments and early-season rust, a 4-2 start would be nothing to scoff at and might make fans—and players—feel pretty optimistic about where this team is headed.

This game isn’t just about checking off another win; it’s about building momentum. It’s about Minnesota showing that they can handle business on the second night of a back-to-back, even after an emotionally charged game. If the Wolves can come out of the first couple of weeks playing above .650 ball, I’d say we’re in for a season worth getting excited about. And with that, the Timberwolves can start to look like a team ready to make noise in a stacked Western Conference.

The Bottom Line

Tonight’s game may not have the same hype as last night’s Denver game, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less important. This is the NBA, where momentum can shift on a dime, and the Wolves need to prove they can handle both the highs of big wins and the grind of back-to-back games against feisty opponents. If they can come out focused, play smart, and keep that defensive edge, this could turn into an easy night and allow them to rest those weary legs.

So, let’s see what they’ve got, Wolves fans. Time to put last night’s win in the rearview mirror and plow forward with a decisive effort against San Antonio. After all, if you want to be a contender, you’ve got to prove you can bring it every night—no matter who’s on the other side of the court.