In a must-win situation the San Antonio Spurs played with the intensity and concentration needed to win an NBA championship. They absolutely dismantled the Minnesota Timberwolves 133-95, just an all-around ass-kicking.

Victor Wembanyama still shot poorly from the perimeter, 2-7 from 3-pt, but started the game attacking from the interior and working his way inside-out. The physicality that worked so well for the Wolves big-men in Game 1 was neutralized by Wemby’s quickness and ability to shoot over any defender. The Spurs also did a good job driving into the lane, drawing in multiple Minnesota defenders and dishing it off to Wemby for easy finish after easy finish. He ended with 19 points on 7-15 FG, 3-3 FT, 15 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 turnovers, 1 steal and 2 blocks. It’s a little bit crazy to think these stat stuffing box scores are typical for the young Frenchman. He can do everything on the court and does it all very well.

De’Aaron Fox, who had a rough Game 1, bounced back nicely in Game 2 finishing with 16 points on 5-10 FG, 2-2 3-pt, 4-5 FT, 2 assists, 1 turnover and 2 steals. Like Wembanyama, Fox attacked the paint early and often. Seeing a couple of shots go in boosted his confidence to step out and hit a pair of 3’s. He played his role to perfection.

Stephon Castle came close to fouling out, 5 fouls in 24 minutes, but the Spurs were so far ahead it likely wouldn’t have mattered. It’s not like he’s fouling because of a lack of IQ or laziness on defense, in fact, it’s the opposite. He’s hyper-competitive and ultra-physical with whoever he’s tasked with defending and sometimes the referees don’t let him play the way he wants to. Finding a happy medium between playing within the rules and sticking to his man like an undershirt will be key going forward. On offense, he’s one of the most efficient scorers due to his masterful driving skills, finishing around the rim and ability to draw fouls. He had 21 points on 6-10 FG, 0-1 3-pt, 9-9 FT, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 turnovers and 2 steals.

The rest of the Spurs chipped in and did their jobs. Long-distance shooters Julian Champagnie, 12 points on 4-6 from 3-pt, and Devin Vassell, 10 points on 3-9 FG, 2-6 3-pt, 2-2 FT, helped space the floor. Keldon Johnson provided rebounding (10 boards), energy and effort. Rookie Dylan Harper had a good game with 11 points on 5-10 FG, 1-3 3-pt, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 turnovers and 2 steals. Carter Bryant only scored 2 points, but his impact was felt in other areas. He was flying around the count on defense and very active with his hands. More than a few times he came out to midcourt to help trap Anthony Edwards. It was an extremely effective tactic employed by Mitch Johnson to frustrate the Minnesota superstar, while keeping the ball out of his hands and not letting him find the range on his shot.

Speaking of the Timberwolves they seemed more than happy with the result of Game 1 and didn’t really show up for Game 2. Which is bizarre because a 2-0 series lead heading back home would have been an amazing position to be in. The outside shot was just not falling for anyone, 9-30 as a team from 3-pt. More importantly, Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels and Terrence Shannon Jr. went a combined 1-12 from deep. Simply put, there are no paths to victory for the Wolves putting up those putrid numbers from 3.

Three stats highlight just how poor the overall team effort was. Minnesota gave up 58 points in the paint, while only scoring 36. They shot 16-31 from the charity stripe, which is unacceptable. Finally, the Spurs scored 29 fastbreak points to the Wolves 5. The last stat is the most telling. For whatever reason Minnesota refused to hustle back on defense, after a make or miss, and kept giving up wide open dunks and layups. It was infuriating to watch as a neutral observer, which means it was 1000 times worse for the coaches and fans. Luckily for Chris Finch the Champagnie shot didn’t go down or else they would be going back home down 0-2 with a must-win Game 3. A split through 2 games feels fair. Game 3 is Friday night, May 8th at 6:30PM on Prime Video.