NBA Playoff Recap: Spurs Crush Wolves by 38, Knicks Take 2-0 Lead, Plus Cavs-Pistons Game 2 Preview

The San Antonio Spurs delivered a historic 38-point beatdown to the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the New York Knicks took a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers in Wednesday's NBA playoff action. Spurs Respond With Franchise-Record Playoff Win If you backed the Timberwolves after their Game 1 upset, Wednesday night was a brutal reality check. The Spurs handed Minnesota a 133-95 loss, marking the largest postseason defeat in Timberwolves franchise history. Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox, who struggled in the series opener, set the tone early. The duo combined for 28 points by halftime, easily surpassing their total output from Game 1. Wembanyama finished with 19 points and 15 rebounds, while rookie Stephon Castle led all scorers with 21 points. Minnesota head coach Chris Finch didn't mince words after the game, stating simply, "We got punked." The Timberwolves shot a dismal 29.8% in the first half, going just 2-for-15 from beyond the arc. Anthony Edwards, still managing a hyperextended left knee, was limited to 12 points off the bench. With the series tied 1-1, the action shifts to Minneapolis for Game 3 on Friday. Knicks Take 2-0 Lead Over Shorthanded Sixers In the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks secured a 108-102 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Jalen Brunson proved why he's one of the most clutch performers in the league, hitting critical shots down the stretch after the game was tied at 99. The 76ers played without Joel Embiid in Game 2, and while they showed more fight than in their 39-point Game 1 loss, they couldn't overcome the Knicks' late surge. New York does have a major injury concern of its own, as OG Anunoby left the game late with a right leg issue and did not return. Cavaliers vs. Pistons Game 2 Preview Looking ahead to tonight's action, the Cleveland Cavaliers will try to bounce back against the Detroit Pistons in Game 2. The Pistons took the opener 111-101, led by Cade Cunningham's 23 points and 7 assists. The betting lines for Game 2 have the Pistons as 3.5-point favorites (-105), with the Cavaliers at +3.5 (-115). The moneyline sits at Pistons -160 and Cavaliers +135, with the over/under set at 215.5. If Cleveland wants to cover or pull off the upset, they must clean up their offense. The Cavs committed 19 turnovers in Game 1, including seven from James Harden, leading to 29 points for Detroit. --- Related reading: NBA Semis Game 1 Recap: Pistons Smother Cavs, Thunder Crush Lakers as Top Seeds Dominate Wembanyama Sets NBA Playoff Record With 12 Blocks — But the Spurs Still Lost NBA Conference Semifinals Recap: Knicks Crush 76ers by 39, Wolves Pull Massive Upset in San Antonio