The NBA Semifinals Game 1 results are finally in, and they delivered two exciting storylines. The Minnesota Timberwolves upset the San Antonio Spurs 104-102, while the New York Knicks absolutely dismantled the Philadelphia 76ers 137-98. Both games were packed with big performances, late-game drama, and moments fans will not forget.
Background
The 2026 NBA Playoffs second round tipped off on May 4, with four teams fighting for a spot in the Conference Finals. All eyes were on the Western Conference matchup between the Timberwolves and Spurs, as well as the Eastern Conference clash between the Knicks and 76ers. Fans were checking NBA scores for tonight across ESPN, NBA Live game feeds, and every major platform to follow the action in real time.
Julius Randle scored 21 points and Anthony Edwards came off the bench to contribute 18 points as the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves outlasted the San Antonio Spurs 104-102 in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series.
This was one of the most talked-about NBA Semifinals Game 1 results because of how Edwards performed. Edwards had sustained a bone bruise in his left knee on April 25, an injury that was supposed to keep him out for multiple weeks. His return shocked both fans and analysts who were tracking NBA semifinals game 1 results predictions before the game.
Fourth Quarter Thriller
San Antonio led by three points after three quarters. Edwards scored 11 of the Timberwolves’ first 19 points of the fourth period before Minnesota reeled off a 7-0 run, capped by a 3-pointer by Mike Conley with 4:42 left, to build a 95-86 advantage.
The Spurs refused to give up quietly. Victor Wembanyama’s dunk with 43.6 seconds left trimmed the margin to four, and Dylan Harper’s steal and layup with 30.9 seconds remaining brought San Antonio within a bucket. After a miss by Randle, the Spurs opted not to call a timeout and got the ball to Julian Champagnie, whose 3-point attempt at the buzzer hit the front of the rim and bounced away.
NBA Box Scores Today: Timberwolves Key Stats
Jaden McDaniels and Terrence Shannon Jr added 16 points each for Minnesota. Naz Reid and Conley had 12 points apiece, with Randle and Rudy Gobert grabbing 10 rebounds each.
On the Spurs side, Harper led the Spurs with 18 points while Stephon Castle and Champagnie scored 17 each. Devin Vassell had 14 points, and Wembanyama recorded an 11-point, 15-rebound, 12-blocked-shots triple-double despite going 0-for-8 from beyond the arc.
Wembanyama’s triple-double is a historic stat line, but it was not enough to close out the win for San Antonio.
Game 2: New York Knicks 137 – Philadelphia 76ers 98
Jalen Brunson Puts on a Show
The second NBA Semifinals Game 1 result of the night was even more one-sided. Jalen Brunson scored 27 of his game-high 35 points in the first half for the New York Knicks, who routed the visiting Philadelphia 76ers 137-98 in Game 1 of an Eastern Conference semifinal series.
If you checked the NBA Live game updates or NBA scores schedule during this one, you already know the Knicks were on a different level entirely.
Historic Dominance
The Knicks, who eliminated the Atlanta Hawks with a 140-89 win in Game 6 of a first-round series on Thursday, became just the second team in NBA history to end one series and begin another with consecutive victories by at least 30 points.
The last time something like this happened was four decades ago. In 1986, the Boston Celtics beat the Hawks 132-99 to end an Eastern Conference semifinal series before routing the Milwaukee Bucks 128-96 in Game 1 of the conference finals. The Celtics went on to win the NBA title.
This comparison is sending shockwaves through NBA circles and is dominating NBA semifinals game 1 results ESPN coverage tonight.
Knicks Make More History
These Knicks, who won the final three games over the Hawks by a combined 96 points, are the first NBA team to win three straight playoff games by at least 25 points apiece.
That is a record that speaks for itself. The Knicks are not just winning they are embarrassing opponents.
Quotes
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch praised Edwards after his return: “He was all in, and he did a really good job of not pushing and forcing things, even though he knew he was on a minutes restriction. I thought he did a really good job of just staying in the flow.”
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson stayed positive about the final shot, saying the team had no issues with how the play unfolded. “Dylan did a good job pushing the ball and kicking it ahead. Julian had a fly-by and had a shot in rhythm. No problem with the shot. That was a great shot. I hope he shoots it every time.”
Knicks coach Mike Brown credited his team’s focus and discipline: “I can’t deny that our guys are playing pretty good basketball. And I’ve got to give them credit, especially where credit’s due. They’re trying to focus on the details, no matter what the score is.”
Impact
These NBA Semifinals Game 1 results have major implications for both conferences. In the West, the Timberwolves have stolen home-court advantage from the Spurs. Anthony Edwards’ return changes every pre-series prediction. In the East, the Knicks look nearly unstoppable right now. Their combination of Brunson’s scoring, team defense, and depth is proving too much for any opponent. If you follow NBA Live game updates and NBA box scores today, these are the teams to watch heading into Game 2.
What to Watch Next
Game 2 between Minnesota and San Antonio will be contested on Wednesday in San Antonio. Games 3 and 4 will be in Minneapolis on Friday and Sunday, respectively.
Game 2 between the Knicks and 76ers is also scheduled for Wednesday night in New York.
Both series could shift dramatically in Game 2, making the NBA scores schedule for Wednesday one of the most anticipated in recent playoff memory.
Conclusion
The NBA Semifinals Game 1 results today confirmed that this 2026 playoff run is full of surprises. The Timberwolves showed tremendous heart by winning on the road without their best player at full health. The Knicks, meanwhile, are rewriting the record books with their dominant style of play. Whether you checked the NBA semifinals game 1 results on ESPN or followed the NBA Live game updates directly, one thing is clear the road to the NBA Finals just got very interesting. Keep an eye on the NBA scores schedule this Wednesday for Game 2 of both series.
FAQs
Has anyone won the NBA Finals down 3-1?
Yes, it has happened once in NBA history. The Cleveland Cavaliers, led by LeBron James, came back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals. It remains the only time in Finals history that a team has overcome a 3-1 series deficit to win the championship.
Who scored 73 points in a game?
Kobe Bryant scored 81 points in a single NBA game, which is the second-highest ever. The record belongs to Wilt Chamberlain, who scored 100 points in 1962. However, the 73-point mark was set by David Thompson in 1978, though it was later surpassed. In the modern era, Klay Thompson once scored 60 points in just 29 minutes. The 73-point record in a regular season game is held by Wilt Chamberlain across multiple high-scoring performances.
Which team won Game 1 of the NBA Finals?
The 2026 NBA Finals have not yet begun. The league is currently in the second round of the playoffs. Based on today’s NBA Semifinals Game 1 results, the Timberwolves and Knicks have taken early leads in their respective series. The NBA Finals are expected to begin in June 2026 once both Conference Finals are decided.
