The San Antonio Spurs secured a dominant 139-109 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves to book their place in the NBA Western Conference finals for the first time since 2017. They will face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.

Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 32 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 11-of-16 from the field. De'Aaron Fox added 21 points, and Victor Wembanyama contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds.

Wembanyama, who was ejected in Game 4 for elbowing Naz Reid, kept his composure this time. "I knew I couldn't go over the edge again. I had to beat them by playing basketball," he said.

The Spurs built a 74-61 halftime lead and extended it to 26 points by the end of the third quarter, shooting 56% from the field. Anthony Edwards congratulated the Spurs during a timeout with eight minutes left.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons staved off elimination with a 115-94 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Cade Cunningham scored 21 points, including five three-pointers.

Jalen Duren dominated defensively with 11 rebounds, three blocks, and a steal. Six Pistons scored in double figures. "We stick together through everything. It's a great win for us," Cunningham said.

James Harden led Cleveland with 23 points, while Donovan Mitchell was held to 18. The Cavaliers, unbeaten at home this postseason, must win Game 7 in Detroit to advance.

Source: www.aljazeera.com