Victor Wembanyama posted 19 points and 15 rebounds as the host San Antonio Spurs overwhelmed the Minnesota Timberwolves 133-95, tying their Western Conference semifinal series at one game apiece.

San Antonio blew the game open in the second quarter, turning a seven-point lead after the first period into a 24-point advantage at halftime. The Spurs outscored the Timberwolves 98-63 through three quarters, with Julian Champagnie scoring all 12 of his points on four 3-pointers in the third.

Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 21 points, while De'Aaron Fox added 16, Harrison Barnes 12, Dylan Harper 11, Devin Vassell 10, and Keldon Johnson grabbed 10 rebounds. Wembanyama made two 3-pointers but is just 2-of-15 from deep in the series.

The second-seeded Spurs have not lost back-to-back games since January 11, a span of 49 contests. Wembanyama credited early intensity and offensive rebounding for the turnaround from Game 1.

Game 3 of the best-of-seven series is scheduled for Friday in Minneapolis.

Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson scored eight of his 26 points in the fourth quarter as the New York Knicks held off the Philadelphia 76ers 108-102 to take a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal.

Karl-Anthony Towns produced 20 points and 10 rebounds despite foul trouble, and OG Anunoby scored 24 before leaving with a right leg injury. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 26 points, but Philadelphia managed just 12 points on 4-of-19 shooting in the fourth quarter.

Sixers coach Nick Nurse acknowledged the challenge of a 2-0 deficit, while Knicks coach Mike Brown praised his team's fourth-quarter defense. Joel Embiid missed the game due to ankle and hip injuries.

Game 3 is Friday in Philadelphia, with Game 4 on Sunday.

Source: www.aljazeera.com