Victor Wembanyama powered the San Antonio Spurs to a 115-108 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves and a 2-1 edge in their second-round NBA playoff series, while Jalen Brunson guided the New York Knicks past the Philadelphia 76ers 109-94 to build a commanding 3-0 advantage in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Wembanyama controlled Game 3 with 39 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks, dominating both ends as San Antonio claimed a second straight victory after losing the series opener at home. The Spurs stayed in front throughout the second half, holding off multiple Timberwolves rallies without ever stretching the margin to double figures.
The Spurs’ star shot 13 of 18 from the field and 10 of 12 at the free-throw line, protecting the paint all night
and limiting Minnesota’s attacks near the rim. De'Aaron Fox added 17 points, while Stephon Castle contributed 13 points, 12 assists and a team-best plus-17 rating that underlined Castle’s two-way impact.
Anthony Edwards tried to drag Minnesota back with 32 points and 14 rebounds, and Naz Reid supplied 18 points with nine boards off the bench. The Timberwolves’ defence recovered after a poor opening stretch, yet San Antonio broke loose from long range, shooting 6 of 10 from three-point distance in a decisive third quarter.
LET'S GOOOO pic.twitter.com/fjae9YJHuX San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) May 9, 2026
Jaden McDaniels drew Wembanyama’s fifth foul with 6:18 left and cut the deficit to 99-98 by making two free throws, but Minnesota never moved ahead. The Timberwolves now aim to level the NBA playoff series when they host Game 4 on Sunday, before the matchup returns to San Antonio for Game 5 on Tuesday.
At Madison Square Garden, Brunson poured in 33 points and delivered clutch baskets late in the fourth quarter, energising the home crowd and steering New York to another double-digit victory. The Knicks turned a narrow four-point advantage into a comfortable cushion during the final period against a tiring Philadelphia defence.
With the 2016 and 2018 Villanova championship banners visible above the court, the "Nova Knicks" backcourt trio controlled the tempo. Josh Hart posted 12 points and 11 rebounds, Mikal Bridges scored 23, and first-year coach Mike Brown moved within one win of a second straight conference finals appearance, even with OG Anunoby sidelined by a strained right hamstring.
Anunoby, averaging 21.4 points in these NBA playoffs, remained listed day to day and was not rushed back. For the 76ers, Joel Embiid returned from a sprained right ankle and sore right hip to score 18 points, while Kelly Oubre Jr. finished with 22 and Tyrese Maxey added 17, ahead of Game 4 in Philadelphia on Sunday.
our mood going to bed tonight pic.twitter.com/Fi60vvyXe5 NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 9, 2026
Both conference semifinals now carry clear storylines in these NBA playoffs: San Antonio leans heavily on Wembanyama’s all-round dominance against Minnesota, while New York’s balanced guard play and depth leave Philadelphia facing elimination. Game 4 results in each series will decide whether momentum shifts or current advantages tighten further.
