San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) reacts after making a 3-pointer during the second half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026. The Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 139-109 and will advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) reacts after making a 3-pointer during the second half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026. The Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 139-109 and will advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News

MINNEAPOLIS – Spurs coach Mitch Johnson did not know precisely what to expect when his team stepped off the plane for Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against Minnesota.

All he knew was that he liked the Spurs’ chances.

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“We felt our guys were ready,” Johnson said. “And that’s all you can ask for.”

The Spurs proved that in a wire-to-wire 139-109 thumping of Minnesota on Friday at the Target Center, a jaw-dropping victory that sent them to the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2017.

The Spurs face defending champion Oklahoma City in Game 1 of that series beginning Monday (7:30 p.m. NBC/Peacock) at the Paycom Center.

“Just the words ‘conference finals’ is crazy,” said Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs’ 22-year-old All-Star center. “It’s something I’ve heard about my whole life. Now being in it, it’s just special.”

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Stephon Castle scored 32 points to go with 11 rebounds to lead the Spurs, who got 21 points from De’Aaron Fox and 19 from Victor Wembanyama to close out Minnesota.

Anthony Edwards labored through a 9-for-26 shooting performance on his way to 24 points that paced the Timberwolves. With the loss, the Wolves ended their run of two consecutive trips to the conference finals, ceding their spot to the Spurs.

The series was more lopsided than the six-game duration might indicate.

Three of the Spurs’ victories came by 38, 29 and 30 points and outscored Minnesota by a combined 97 in the series. They are the first team in NBA history to win three separate games in a playoff series by at least 29.

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In doing so, the Spurs became only the sixth team in NBA history to qualify for a conference final after not making the playoffs at all in the previous six seasons.

The Spurs are headed to the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2017 after closing out the Timberwolves in dominant fashion Friday night, setting up a highly anticipated matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder. A young Spurs roster facing its first road closeout game looked completely unfazed, rolling to a 139-109 win in Minneapolis to seal the series in six games. For more from Minneapolis, visit our website.

San Antonio Express-News

Here are three takeaways from Friday’s victory:

1. Castle foiled Wolves’ best-laid plan

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For the first time in the series, Minnesota opened Game 6 with 7-foot-1 Rudy Gobert assigned to defend Spurs point guard Stephon Castle.

The thinking was simple, and not unlike strategies other teams have employed this season against the Spurs — Gobert was to sag off Castle, who is not renowned for his 3-point shot, and allow the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year to camp near the paint.

It didn’t work in the first round, when Portland at times employed 7-2 center Donovan Clingan in that role.

It didn’t work Friday, either.

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Castle made the first three 3-point looks he saw on the way to 14 points in the first quarter, then made two more before halftime. The five 3-pointers were the most Castle has made in a game in his NBA career.

“Now we see why they didn’t do it the first five games,” Wembanyama said of Minnesota’s defensive switch.

To hear Castle tell it, the path toward ruining the Timberwolves’ night started months ago, with a 3-point shot improving by the day.

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Though he finished his second NBA season shooting 33.2% from 3-point range, that clip has been going up since the All-Star break.

Castle shot 42.3% from the arc in March, 44.4% in April, and 40.7% in the first round against Portland.

The 21-year-old Castle wrapped the series against Minnesota hitting a whopping 47.8% (11 of 23).

If he keeps that pace up against the Thunder, Castle will be almost impossible to guard.

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San Antonio Spurs’ Carter Bryant (11) embraces fellow rookie Dylan Harper (2) as they walk to the bench with veteran guard De'Aaron Fox (4) during a timeout in the fourth quarter of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026. The Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 139-109 and will advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

San Antonio Spurs’ Carter Bryant (11) embraces fellow rookie Dylan Harper (2) as they walk to the bench with veteran guard De’Aaron Fox (4) during a timeout in the fourth quarter of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026. The Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 139-109 and will advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio resident Ducle Morales of San Antonio cheers on the Spurs prior to the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026. Morales, who was also a spectator at game five, came to see the Spurs “close it out”.

San Antonio resident Ducle Morales of San Antonio cheers on the Spurs prior to the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026. Morales, who was also a spectator at game five, came to see the Spurs “close it out”.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) reacts after Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) fouled him during the second half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026. The Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 139-109 and will advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) reacts after Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) fouled him during the second half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026. The Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 139-109 and will advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsMinnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) fouls San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026. The Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 139-109 and will advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) fouls San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026. The Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 139-109 and will advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) blocks a shot by Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) during Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis on Friday, May 15, 2026. The Spurs won 139-109 to advance to the Western Conference finals, where they will face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) blocks a shot by Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) during Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis on Friday, May 15, 2026. The Spurs won 139-109 to advance to the Western Conference finals, where they will face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsMinnesota Timberwolves guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (1) drives into San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) as he goes up for a shot during the second half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026. The Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 139-109 and will advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (1) drives into San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) as he goes up for a shot during the second half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026. The Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 139-109 and will advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) reacts after making a 3-pointer during the second half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026. The Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 139-109 and will advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) reacts after making a 3-pointer during the second half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026. The Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 139-109 and will advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) is greeted by his teammates after coming off the floor during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) is greeted by his teammates after coming off the floor during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) goes up for a shot over Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) during the second half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026. The Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 139-109 and will advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) goes up for a shot over Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) during the second half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026. The Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 139-109 and will advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox (4) gets around Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) after Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) sets the pick during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox (4) gets around Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) after Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) sets the pick during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs fans cheer as the Spurs defeat the Timberwolves 139-109 in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026. The Spurs will advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

San Antonio Spurs fans cheer as the Spurs defeat the Timberwolves 139-109 in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026. The Spurs will advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsMinnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) goes down as San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox (4) recovers a loose ball during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) goes down as San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox (4) recovers a loose ball during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) dunks over Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) dunks over Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) gives a shout out to a teammate during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) gives a shout out to a teammate during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox (4) pulls down a rebound over Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) during Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026. The Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 139-109 and will advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox (4) pulls down a rebound over Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) during Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026. The Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 139-109 and will advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsMinnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) pleads his case to referee James Capers (19) during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) pleads his case to referee James Capers (19) during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsMinnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) yells at Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) yells at Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) takes a jump shot per the Minnesota defense during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) takes a jump shot per the Minnesota defense during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox (4) and guard Stephon Castle (5) react after a timeout is called by Minnesota during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox (4) and guard Stephon Castle (5) react after a timeout is called by Minnesota during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) throws up a three pointer sign during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) throws up a three pointer sign during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) passes a rebound down to forward Carter Bryant (11) during Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026. The Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 139-109 and will advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) passes a rebound down to forward Carter Bryant (11) during Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026. The Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 139-109 and will advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) gets the layup past Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) gets the layup past Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) takes a shot over Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) takes a shot over Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) and Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) blocks Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) and Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) blocks Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsMinnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) gets the fans fired up with a big play as San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) looks away during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) gets the fans fired up with a big play as San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) looks away during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1), Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) and San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) protest to a referee during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1), Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) and San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) protest to a referee during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson shouts instructions during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson shouts instructions during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsMinnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) fights with San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) and Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) for a rebound during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) fights with San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) and Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) for a rebound during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsMinnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts after a big play while next to San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts after a big play while next to San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) throws up a jump shot over the Minnesota defense during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) throws up a jump shot over the Minnesota defense during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant (11), San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) and San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) walk off the court at the end of the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant (11), San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) and San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) walk off the court at the end of the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) prepares to dunk over Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) prepares to dunk over Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30), talks with Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) before the start of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30), talks with Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) before the start of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsThe San Antonio Spurs line up prior to the start ofGame 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

The San Antonio Spurs line up prior to the start ofGame 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsMinnesota Timberwolves fans hold up a sign mocking San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Minnesota Timberwolves fans hold up a sign mocking San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs fans watch the team warm up before Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

San Antonio Spurs fans watch the team warm up before Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet warms up before Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet warms up before Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama warms up before Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama warms up before Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsAleah and Shea Cook of Lubbock, Texas, watch the San Antonio Spurs warm up before Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Aleah and Shea Cook of Lubbock, Texas, watch the San Antonio Spurs warm up before Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant warms up before Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant warms up before Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsBorys, 13, and his father Arthur Sych watch the San Antonio Spurs warm up before Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026. The pair traveled from Winnipeg, Canada, to watch the game.

Borys, 13, and his father Arthur Sych watch the San Antonio Spurs warm up before Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026. The pair traveled from Winnipeg, Canada, to watch the game.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama warms up before Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama warms up before Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson talks to his teammates during shootaround at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026, as the Spurs prepare for game six of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson talks to his teammates during shootaround at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026, as the Spurs prepare for game six of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell participates in shootaround at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026, as the Spurs prepare for game six of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell participates in shootaround at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026, as the Spurs prepare for game six of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama participates in shootaround at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026, as the Spurs prepare for game six of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama participates in shootaround at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026, as the Spurs prepare for game six of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson, center, attends shootaround with his team at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026, as the Spurs prepare for game six of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson, center, attends shootaround with his team at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026, as the Spurs prepare for game six of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox, center, participates in shootaround at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026, as the Spurs prepare for game six of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox, center, participates in shootaround at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026, as the Spurs prepare for game six of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox answers questions from reporters during shootaround at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026, as the Spurs prepare for game six of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox answers questions from reporters during shootaround at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026, as the Spurs prepare for game six of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-NewsSan Antonio Spurs chief executive RC Buford, from left, general manager Brian Wright and head coach Mitch Johnson talk as the team participates in shootaround to prepare for game six of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

San Antonio Spurs chief executive RC Buford, from left, general manager Brian Wright and head coach Mitch Johnson talk as the team participates in shootaround to prepare for game six of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News

2. Defense rules the day, again

The Spurs seized control of the game at the start of the second quarter, when they held Minnesota without a point for the first 5:57. The Timberwolves opened the frame by missing 11 consecutive shots, fueling a 20-0 run that left the Spurs up by as many as 29 points.

T.J. Shannon finally broke the drought for the Wolves, scoring an and-one basket on Wembanyama at the 7:03 mark that cut the Spurs’ lead to 56-30.

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The Spurs faltered a bit before halftime, allowing Minnesota to climb within 13 points at the break.

“Whatever part of the game was our best two minutes, you could flip that and say it was just as bad those last two minutes in terms of just some really undisciplined things that we can control,” Johnson said. “That was really frustrating.”

The Spurs pushed out their lead again to start the half, holding Minnesota to six points in the first 5:59 of the third quarter. That, essentially, squelched the Wolves’ final gasp.

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Friday’s victory sets up the Western Conference finals matchup most of the NBA has been awaiting since at least January.

The Thunder (64-18) and Spurs (62-20) were the two best teams in the league during the regular season. Oklahoma City is seeking to defend its first NBA title since relocating from Seattle in 2007. The Spurs have rapidly cemented themselves as the team standing in the way of a Thunder dynasty.

Oklahoma City is led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, likely to be named a back-to-back NBA MVP next week, with Wembanyama the likeliest runner-up.

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This could be the first of a decade’s worth of Western Conference finals matchups between these two teams.

The Spurs defeated OKC four times in five meetings during the regular season, including three times in a 10-day stretch in January.

That was the first clue the Spurs were in the same league with the vaunted Thunder.

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To get to the NBA Finals, the Spurs will have to prove it again.