The San Antonio Spurs rolled to a 126-97 win at the Frost Bank Center, jumping out early and never really letting the Minnesota Timberwolves get back in the game.
Wembanyama set the tone immediately, attacking the rim, protecting the paint, and playing like a player who had something to settle. He finished with 27 points, 17 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks, including a blistering opening quarter where he poured in 18 points and helped the Spurs build a double-digit lead that only widened as the night wore on.
The Timberwolves had no answer for him and are now one game away from elimination as the series heads back to Minnesota for Game 6 on Friday.
After the win, Wembanyama revealed he believes Minnesota's approach went beyond normal playoff physicality, suggesting the Wolves were actively trying to provoke him into mistakes.
"I feel like the rage baiting would have been maybe one of their strategies," he told reporters.
More news: NBA World in Shock as Former First-Round Pick Brandon Clarke Passes Away at 29
Game 4 felt like a potential breaking point for Wemby and the Spurs.
With the Spurs trying to seize a 3-1 series lead in Minnesota, Wembanyama was ejected in the second quarter after a flagrant-2 foul for an elbow that caught Naz Reid during a physical scramble in the paint.
It was his first career ejection, a moment that flipped the game's momentum and helped the Timberwolves claw back to even the series at 2-2.
The NBA reviewed the incident but did not issue further suspension, allowing him to return for Game 5. But the play still drew immense scrutiny, with debate centering on whether Wembanyama had lost his composure under pressure or was reacting to other players simply outmuscling him.
As a result, it appeared the Timberwolves were intent on establishing their physical tone early in Game 5, testing how far they could push Wembanyama.
In the first quarter, Wolves guard Ayo Dosunmu, despite being nearly a foot shorter than Wembanyama, stepped directly into his space after knocking down a mid-range jumper and exchanged words with him face-to-face.
Anthony Edwards then joined the exchange as both players ran back down the floor, jawing at him and getting physical in a clear attempt to keep the pressure on the Spurs star.
Throughout the game, Minnesota continued to ramp up physicality and off-ball contact, creating a tense playoff atmosphere that challenged Wembanyama's composure.
Wembanyama, however, responded with restraint and production rather than retaliation, helping San Antonio regain control of the series.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.