NBA Playoffs: Wembanyama returns to help Spurs take series lead on Wolves

Al Jazeera · 🇶🇦 public Qatar · May 13, 2026 · 822 words · By Reuters

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What to know about Sports Reporting

Wembanyama returns, Spurs rout Wolves for 3-2 lead in NBA Playoff series Wembanyama scores 27 points on return from ejection as San Antonio Spurs beat Minnesota Timberwolves 126-97 in Game 5.

Claims checked 12

Techniques found 1

Topics 2

Coverage spectrum

Coverage gap: Low Left coverage

Left0%

Center67%

Right33%

3 sources compared across this story cluster. This is an eFinder estimate from indexed source coverage, not an editorial rating.

What happened

Wembanyama returns, Spurs rout Wolves for 3-2 lead in NBA Playoff series Wembanyama scores 27 points on return from ejection as San Antonio Spurs beat Minnesota Timberwolves 126-97 in Game 5.

Why it matters

Victor Wembanyama scored 27 points and grabbed 17 rebounds to lead hosts San Antonio Spurs past the Minnesota Timberwolves 126-97 and take a 3-2 lead in their Western Conference semifinal series.

Common ground

Wembanyama returned to action on Tuesday after being ejected in the second quarter of an eventual 114-109 loss to the host Timberwolves in Game 4 on Sunday, when he elbowed the face of an opponent, resulting in an automatic ejection.

Perspective signals

The tension in the story is sharpened by Loaded Language: language that can make the dispute feel more urgent, personal, or adversarial than the underlying facts alone.

Follow-up questions

What new context would change how readers understand this Sports Reporting story?
What evidence would most clearly confirm or weaken the claim that Game 6 in the best-of-seven series is Friday in Minneapolis?
How does this story connect Sports Reporting with Player Performance over the next few days?

open_in_new Read the original article: https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/5/13/wembanyama-returns-spurs-rout-wolves-…

psychologyPropaganda Techniques Detected

eFinder identified 1 propaganda technique in this article. These signals explain how wording, emphasis, or missing context can shape a reader's interpretation.

warning

Loaded Language 70% confidence

Using words with strong emotional connotations to influence an audience.

Found in this article: eFinder flagged this technique because the story's framing or source language may guide readers toward a particular interpretation. Review the claim checks and evidence below to separate what is directly supported from what is implied by wording or emphasis.

Why it matters: Recognizing loaded language helps readers compare the article's framing with the underlying facts and with coverage from other sources.

fact_checkClaims Checked

eFinder analyzed this article and checked 12 claims against available evidence, cross-references, web search, and Wikipedia. Here is what the fact-checking layer found.

check_circle Corroborated 5

schedule Pending 2

info Single Source 2

help Insufficient Evidence 2

cancel Disputed 1

schedule

Claim 1: “Game 6 in the best-of-seven series is Friday in Minneapolis”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 2: “Game 7 – if necessary – would be back in the Alamo City on Sunday”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 3: “take a 3-2 lead in their Western Conference semifinal series”

CORROBORATED

Multiple sources confirm the Spurs took a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference semifinal series following the Game 5 win.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Spurs win 126-97. San Antonio took control in the third quarter and never looked back, dominating the paint against the Timberwolves to take a 3-2 lead in the series. The Spurs earned a 68-36 advantag…
https://www.nba.com/news/live-updates-2026-nba-playoffs-conf…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — The San Antonio Spurs took a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference semifinals after dominating the Minnesota Timberwolves 126-97 in Game 5. Leading the way once again was Victor Wembanyama, who responded…
https://basketballsphere.com/en/video-victor-wembanyama-shin…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — The San Antonio Spurs beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 115-108 on Friday night, taking a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference semifinal series behind a spectacular Wembanyama performance: 39 points, 15…
https://www.opencourt-basketball.com/2026/05/09/victor-wemba…

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Claim 4: “Harper also grabbed 10 rebounds”

CORROBORATED

Multiple independent sources (theScore, NewsBreak, and a highlights video) confirm Dylan Harper recorded 10 rebounds in Game 5.

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web search NEUTRAL — Harper recorded 12 points (5-10 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 10 rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal across 25 minutes during Tuesday's 126-97 victory over Minnesota in Game 5 of the Western ...
https://www.thescore.com/news/3539863

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Dylan Harper full highlights vs. Minnesota Timberwolves tonight (126-97 W) - Game 5 - Western Semifinals - 2026 NBA Playoffs: 12 Points on 5/10 FG, 0/1 from 3, 2/2 FT, 10 Rebounds (5 Off.
https://x.com/MrBuckBuckNBA/status/2054441618149671140

travel_explore

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Claim 5: “Wembanyama returned to action on Tuesday after being ejected in the second quarter of an eventual 114-109 loss to the host Timberwolves in Game 4 on Sunday”

CORROBORATED

Multiple sources confirm Wembanyama was ejected in the second quarter of Game 4 on Sunday (a 114-109 loss) and returned for Game 5 on Tuesday.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Victor Wembanyama had at least one teammate who hoped the San Antonio Spurs superstar would return angry. His coach expected a mature approach from Wembanyama after his first career ejection a game ea…
https://kstp.com/minnesota-sports/wembanyama-responds-to-eje…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was ejected from Game 4 against the Timberwolves on Sunday for elbowing Naz Reid. The incident happened early in the second quarter after Wembanyama reached over the top o…
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/victor-wembanyama-ejected…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — The Minnesota Timberwolves entered Sunday's Game 4 of their second-round series against the San Antonio Spurs facing a 2-1 deficit, but they got quite the break in their comeback efforts during the fi…
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25426696-spurs-victor-we…

info

Claim 6: “Victor Wembanyama scored 27 points and grabbed 17 rebounds”

SINGLE SOURCE

The provided evidence for this claim consists of general Wikipedia entries for the name 'Victor' and unrelated business listings, providing no data on Wembanyama's specific stats for Game 5.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Victor or Viktor is a given name and a surname. It is Latin in origin, meaning winner or conqueror, and the word “victor” still means this in Modern English. Victor is an early Christian name, borne b…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_(name)

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Victor Treatment Centers, Pomona Victor Treatment Centers in Pomona is located near the beautiful Cal Poly Pomona Campus at the base of the foothills. Out of the Pomona office we serve Los Angeles Cou…
https://www.victor.org/pomona/

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — WELCOME TO VICTOR Insuring your success is our specialty Through strong underwriting, sound risk advisory and seamless technology, we give partners and businesses the support to thrive in the face of …
https://www.victorinsurance.com/us/home.html

help

Claim 7: “Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle had 17 points apiece, Ayo Dosunmu racked up 16 and Naz Reid finished with 12”

INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE

No evidence was found in the provided search results regarding the scoring of McDaniels, Randle, Dosunmu, or Reid in Game 5.

help

Claim 8: “Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 20 points”

INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE

No evidence was found in the provided search results regarding Anthony Edwards' scoring in Game 5.

cancel

Claim 9: “De’Aaron Fox scoring 18, Stephon Castle hitting for 17 and Devin Vassell and Dylan Harper tallying 12 points each”

DISPUTED

Two sources provide conflicting stats for the same game. One source says Fox 18, Castle 17, Vassell 12, Harper 12. Another source (Al Jazeera) says Castle 21, Fox 16, Barnes 12, Harper 11, Vassell 10.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Keldon Johnson had 21 points, De'Aaron Fox added 18 and Stephon Castle had 17 as San Antonio moved a game away from the Western Conference finals.
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/boxscore/NBA_20260…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Popular De’Aaron Fox picks include 17 Points, 1.5 3-PT Made, 5.5 Assists, 32.5 Fantasy Score, and more.Lastly, SG Devin Vassell falls in a bucket similar to Castle. His usage rate increases from 16.8%…
https://www.prizepicks.com/playbook-article/deaaron-fox-inju…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Stephon Castle’s 21 points led the Spurs, with De’Aaron Fox scoring 16, Harrison Barnes tallying 12, Dylan Harper adding 11, Devin Vassell hitting for 10 points and Keldon Johnson pulling down 10 rebo…
https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/5/7/wembanyama-and-spu…

info

Claim 10: “Keldon Johnson added 21 points off the bench for San Antonio”

SINGLE SOURCE

One source (Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs Live Score and Stats) reports Keldon Johnson had 21 points. Other search results for this claim are irrelevant (adult site discussions).

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Idk what is happening but for the past few days, when I open xHamster on my laptop and click a video it doesn't show me the video. No video player at all. I tried to reset my laptop. didn't work. I ev…
https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/12gg3is/xhamst…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — install a xhamster plugin (also plenty to choose from, also directly available at VLC's site and also for free) Watch, download, at your own time and dime (if you can watch/play a video, then you can …
https://www.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/1bfr32w/pornhu…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Jan 10, 2023 · How to convert xhamster.com videos for portable devices at home or to go? The following tutorial will show you how to download or record video streaming of xhamster.com to desktop or po…
https://www.reddit.com/user/Adorable-Owl-9999/comments/108i9…

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Claim 11: “he elbowed the face of an opponent, resulting in an automatic ejection”

CORROBORATED

Multiple sources explicitly state Wembanyama was ejected for elbowing Naz Reid in the face/jaw during Game 4.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Victor Wembanyama ejected from Game 4 for elbowing Naz Reid. 17 hours ago. By Michael Wright.
https://news.google.com/stories/CAAqNggKIjBDQklTSGpvSmMzUnZj…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Wembanyama had an epic performance in Game 3 when he recorded 39 points, 15 rebounds and five blocked shots in the 115-108 road victory on Friday. He became the fourth different player in NBA history …
https://www.aol.com/articles/spurs-c-victor-wembanyama-throw…

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Spurs star Victor Wembanyama experienced his first career ejection Sunday in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals after throwing an elbow at the jaw of Timberwolves forward Naz Reid early in th…
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48736940/spurs-victor-we…

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Claim 12: “San Antonio Spurs beat Minnesota Timberwolves 126-97 in Game 5”

CORROBORATED

Multiple independent web search results confirm the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 126-97 in Game 5.

menu_book

wikipedia NEUTRAL — The 2025–26 San Antonio Spurs season is the 59th season of the franchise, its 50th in the National Basketball Association (NBA), and its 53rd in the San Antonio area. On May 2, 2025, Gregg Popovich st…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025–26_San_Antonio_Spurs_seas…

menu_book

wikipedia NEUTRAL — The 2026 NBA draft will be the 80th edition of the National Basketball Association's annual draft. This also was the first draft since the 2021 NBA draft where the NBA draft would be 60 picks long ins…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NBA_draft

menu_book

wikipedia NEUTRAL — The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio. The Spurs compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southwest Division of the Wes…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Spurs

+ 3 more evidence sources

info Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by AI and should be used as a starting point for critical thinking, not as definitive truth. Claims are verified against publicly available sources. Always consult the original article and additional sources for complete context.