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Timberwolves reveal simple Victor Wembanyama strategy that looks genius now originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are not daunted after Victor Wembanyama set an NBA playoff record for blocks in a single game.
If anything, the Wolves are emboldened, especially as they withstood the Defensive Player of the Year's masterclass and stole Game 1 of their second round series on the road in San Antonio.
The Wolves on Monday held on to beat the Spurs, 104-102, to begin their Western Conference semifinals series. Minnesota claimed Game 1 despite Wembanyama's historic triple-double; the French superstar recorded 11 points, 12 blocks and 15 rebounds, but the returning Anthony Edwards scored 18 points to propel the visitors to a surprise win.
MORE: Anthony Edwards gives Mike Conley his flowers after Wolves' Game 1 win
As intimidating as the 7'5'' Wembanyama is, the Wolves had a plan to deal with him: consistently attack the rim anyway.
Jaden McDaniels told reporters as much Monday night, when he said Minnesota's mentality was to "act like (Wembanyama's) not there" and accept that sometimes, a shot's going to get swatted anyway.
"I mean, he's gonna get blocks. He's the tallest person in the world," McDaniels said.
Minnesota never lost sight of that. Fifty-two of the Timberwolves' 104 points came in the paint, and they won despite missing nine of 21 free-throw attempts.
That's how you overcome a historic night from Wembanyama.
More NBA news:
Despite Victor Wembanyama's playoff record, Spurs lose thriller to Wolves
Anthony Edwards owns late-game errors after narrow Wolves win in Game 1
The NBA's playoff blocks record has added confusion because of Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell
Anthony Edwards on why the Timberwolves' resilience helped them pull off the Game 1 upset
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