2026 NBA Playoffs Live Updates: 2026 NBA Playoffs, Western Conference Semifinals | Timberwolves, Spurs seek pivotal Game 5 win
Tap in to the best highlights and observations from Game 5 of the Timberwolves-Spurs series with the NBA.com live blog.
Ben Lambert, for NBA.com
Updated on May 13, 2026 1:23 AM
Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs are looking to defend home court against the Timberwolves in Game 5 of their Western Conference Semifinals series on NBC and Peacock. Enjoy the best of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, with the NBA.com live blog, featuring all of the meaningful moments, performances, observations, news and highlights from Tuesday’s action.
In tonight’s game, Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves are in San Antonio to take on Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs in a critical Game 5.
Last night’s live blog: Cavaliers tie series, Thunder advance
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What we know about Tuesday’s game
The team that wins Game 5 in a 2-2 series goes on to win the series 81.7% of the time in the NBA Playoffs.
MAY 12, 2026 / 9:19 ET
Spurs up 59-47 at the half
San Antonio missed their final seven shots, but Minnesota was unable to make them pay as a physical second quarter wound down. “We’ve got to continue to play together. Lean on our habits,” said Keldon Johnson (8 pts, 2 reb).
Victor Wembanyama (21 pts, 11 reb) is the story of the contest so far. He’s controlled the paint on both ends, while the Timberwolves have struggled to get going. Ayo Dosunmu (9 pts, 7 reb) is the top scorer for Minnesota at the break, while Anthony Edwards (8 pts on 2-of-5 shooting) and Julius Randle (6 pts on 2-of-7 shooting) look to find their offense. Randle’s had several good midrange looks, but has been unable to bull his way to the basket. He and Jaden McDaniels (7 pts, 3 reb) are a team-low -16 at the half.
MAY 12, 2026 / 9:10 ET
San Antonio in control 54-40
Spurs with 4:23 to go in the second quarter, as the San Antonio defense locks down. They’re doubling Anthony Edwards nearly every time down the floor, forcing the ball out of his hands, and the other Timberwolves have been unable to make them pay. Minnesota’s also shooting 4-of-15 (26.7%) from 3-point range so far, hampering their offense.
MAY 12, 2026 / 8:57 ET
Spurs surge into the second
San Antonio’s started the second quarter on an 11-3 run, taking a 45-33 lead with 9:02 to go in the second quarter. Victor Wembanyama (18 pts, 8 reb) has been dominant so far, while no one on the Timberwolves has cracked double figures.
Wemby in Q1: 18 PTS (6-8 FGM) 6 REB 2 3PM
Spurs lead by 4 in Game 5. pic.twitter.com/5Z39oF27Q4 — NBA (@NBA) May 13, 2026
MAY 12, 2026 / 8:41 ET
8-0 run for the Timberwolves
28-24 Spurs, but Minnesota’s cutting back into it with just over two minutes to go. Mike Conley Jr. knocked down a 3-pointer and dished an assist to Anthony Edwards for one during this streak, as the Wolves scrap.
MAY 12, 2026 / 8:25 ET
Wemby rolling early
17-9 San Antonio as we tip under 8:00 minutes to go, as Victor Wembanyama (9 pts, 2 reb) forces a Minnesota timeout with a driving slam.
Wemby throws down a powerful one-hand slam. MIN/SAS Game 5 is LIVE on NBC & Peacock. pic.twitter.com/3K8Chhz6lH — NBA (@NBA) May 13, 2026
“Wemby’s back!” Mike Tirico said to send us to break.
MAY 12, 2026 / 7:00 ET
Starting Lineup: Timberwolves-Spurs, Game 5
Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves look to take home court advantage in Game 5 of their Western Conference Semifinals series against the Spurs tonight on NBC and Peacock.
Minnesota:
- PG Ayo Dosunmu – Dosunmu hasn’t been quite right after missing time with a calf strain, but he’s a competent, savvy all-around guard who gives the Timberwolves a fighting chance whenever he’s on the floor.
- SG Anthony Edwards – We’ve seen Edwards start to fire in earnest in Game 3 and Game 4. He’s averaged 34.0 ppg in 40.5 mpg, reassuming the role of main man for Chris Finch’s offense.
- SF Jaden McDaniels – McDaniels has been inefficient in the last two games — a far cry from the regular season, when he shot 51.5/41.2/83.5 from the field. A hot-shooting game from him could change the series.
- PF Julius Randle – Randle, held to 12.0 ppg in the series, has been unable to assert himself against a smaller Spurs squad. Watch to see if he can win switches against Devin Vassell and De’Aaron Fox tonight.
- C Rudy Gobert – Gobert is -34 in this series so far, second-worst on the Timberwolves, behind only Anthony Edwards (-45).
San Antonio:
- PG De’Aaron Fox – Fox showed off a flair for the dramatic with the Kings, winning the 2022-23 Clutch Player of the Year award, but hasn’t been able to show up in crunch time for the Spurs in this series. He’s usually quicker than his matchup, and surprisingly big to boot, but the length of the Timberwolves makes it difficult for him.
- SG Stephon Castle – Castle hasn’t been able to slow Anthony Edwards in this series. Ant-Man has shot 12-for-21 against the athletic UConn alumni, putting up 31 points in 14:22 of game action. But he leads the Spurs at +46 in the series — a testament to his will and slashing ability.
- SF Devin Vassell – Vassell is now at 31.4% from 3-point range in the Playoffs — the Spurs could use a good shooting night from him.
- PF Julian Champagnie – Champagnie also went cold in Game 4, missing all five of his 3-point attempts. He provides critical spacing for the Spurs.
- C Victor Wembanyama – After being ejected from Game 4, watch how Wemby handles the Timberwolves’ physicality tonight. They’re making life difficult for him on the biggest stage of his young career.
MAY 12, 2026 / 6:30 ET
Tuesday’s injury report
De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper are available for San Antonio. Donte DiVincenzo remains out for Minnesota, while Anthony Edwards and Ayo Dosunmu are off the injury report.
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