A game into their second-round clash, the Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t take long to show the San Antonio Spurs and the rest of the basketball world who they are: a physical, intense and highly competitive team that will not lay down just because they’re missing a few key players.
Ranged against the 7’4″ French phenom, Victor Wembanyama and a Spurs team that surprised everyone by claiming the second seed in the loaded Western Conference, the T-Wolves showed no fear or hesitation to bump and grind against Wemby, forcing him into an 11-point night in which he made just five of his 17 attempts.
With veterans like Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle and Naz Reid and ferocious defender Jaden McDaniels more than willing to bang bodies against Wemby to keep him away from his sweet spots, the T-Wolves captured Game 1 to seize homecourt advantage in this series.
According to Hall of Famer Paul Pierce, now is the time for Wemby to show his character; fight fire with fire with the series’ fate hanging in the balance.
A wake-up call
To be fair, Wembanyama has proven that he’s more than capable of standing up to the league’s established stars. From Draymond Green to Nikola Jokic, Wemby was never one to back down from any challenge placed before him. Game 1’s tempo, though, proved to be a puzzle that the young stud couldn’t figure out.
Pierce pointed out that Wemby must make the necessary adjustments quickly or risk seeing their dream season end abruptly.
“This is a wake-up call that they — hey, Victor Wembanyama — you got to play with more presence, more force on offense, and get the ball closer to the basket if y’all want an opportunity,” Pierce said on “No Fouls Given.”
Pierce further stated that the T-Wolves have found a recipe that works, meaning they won’t change their physical approach any time soon; either Wemby meets force with force, or he will end up getting bullied on both ends.
“Minnesota Timberwolves aren’t going to change who they are. This is who they are. They grit. They the new grit-and-grind to me,” Pierce declared.
Related: Victor Wembanyama on ‘very disappointing’ handling of his concussion protocol: “Not on the Spurs end”
The new “Grit and Grind”
Pierce was referring to the “Grit and Grind” Memphis Grizzlies that made their mark in the 2010s. Anchored by All-Stars Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol and backed by tenacious defenders like Tony Allen and Mike Conley, the Grizzlies used a deliberate and bruising approach to frustrate opponents and reach the 2013 Western Conference Finals in 2013.
Pierce said he sees the same identity from this season’s T-Wolves.
“Memphis was Zach Randolph and Tony. They the new grit with Julius Randle. He’s just not giving an inch. He’s not giving an inch, and neither is Anthony Edwards, and neither is Jaden McDaniels,” Pierce proclaimed.
“I mean, Jaden McDaniels finally gave them a nice lift. And that Jaden McDaniels, since he said what he said versus Denver, has been a whole other player,” he continued. “It was like, ‘Oh, this is the guy we thought he could be,’ and now he’s that player.”
The Spurs have a lot going for them. They have the talent and athleticism to go toe-to-toe with the best in the league. However, what the T-Wolves have is a fierce fighting spirit. No matter who’s on the floor, fans can expect them to give everything they have and more.
Related: Rick Mahorn claims Victor Wembanyama has redefined the NBA giant archetype: “He’s a Rubik’s cube”
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on May 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
