Cleveland/Minneapolis. The San Antonio Spurs advanced to the Western Conference finals in dominant fashion Friday night, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 139-109 in Game 6 behind a breakout performance from rookie guard Stephon Castle.

Castle scored 32 points and grabbed 11 rebounds while shooting efficiently from the field, helping San Antonio close out the second-round series 4-2. The Spurs overwhelmed Minnesota with fast-paced offense and elite perimeter shooting, setting a franchise postseason record with 18 made three-pointers.

“All credit to them,” Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards said after the loss. “They were just the better team.”

De’Aaron Fox contributed 21 points and nine assists, while rookie Dylan Harper added 15 points off the bench. Although Victor Wembanyama had a quieter offensive night with 19 points, the Spurs star still controlled the paint defensively and anchored San Antonio’s transition attack.

Minnesota struggled to match San Antonio’s balanced offense and switch-heavy defense. Edwards finished with 24 points but shot just 9-for-26 from the floor, while Julius Randle was limited to only three points. Bench players Terrence Shannon Jr. and Naz Reid provided some offense for the Timberwolves, but it was not enough to prevent elimination.

The Spurs will now face defending NBA champion Oklahoma City in the Western Conference finals beginning Monday night.

Detroit Forced Game 7
Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Detroit Pistons kept their season alive with a convincing 115-94 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers to force a decisive Game 7.

Center Jalen Duren bounced back after struggling earlier in the series, recording 15 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks. Duren had been benched late in Detroit’s Game 5 overtime loss, but responded with one of his strongest performances of the postseason.

“My confidence never wavered,” Duren said. “I know what I can do.”

Detroit star Cade Cunningham added 21 points, while Duren’s aggressive rebounding and interior defense helped the Pistons control the game. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised Duren’s energy and physicality, especially on the offensive glass.

The series will now return to Cleveland for Game 7 on Sunday, with the Pistons hoping to continue their postseason run in a winner-take-all matchup.

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