In the high-stakes atmosphere of the Western Conference finals, it became evident to fans and analysts alike that Anthony Edwards needed to elevate his performance for the Minnesota Timberwolves to stand a chance against the formidable Oklahoma City Thunder. After two challenging games, the pressure was on Edwards to set the tone and dominate the court. His response came on Friday, just a day before their crucial Game 3, which would ultimately result in a resounding 143-101 victory for the Timberwolves.
Less than 24 hours before the All-NBA team announcements, where Edwards was named to the second team, he confided in his longtime player development coach, Chris Hines, expressing his feelings of unworthiness for such recognition. This sentiment was not a reflection of his regular-season achievements but rather an honest assessment of his performance against the Thunder. Acknowledging the need for improvement, Edwards understood that leading his team out of adversity was paramount.
As veteran point guard Mike Conley noted, the energy surrounding Edwards shifted dramatically before Game 3. “It was a different energy,” Conley explained. “Normally, he’ll just come in and work hard, but this time it felt like he was disgusted with himself.” This sense of urgency propelled Edwards to deliver a stellar performance, recording 30 points on an impressive 12-of-17 shooting and contributing significantly with nine rebounds and six assists.
Despite the challenges posed by the Thunder's tenacious defense, the Timberwolves managed to reclaim their identity, all while allowing Edwards to shine. His initial points came from a fast break following a steal by Rudy Gobert, setting the tone for his explosive game. Edwards quickly made his mark, scoring a three-pointer and executing a powerful dunk that energized the Target Center crowd.
By the end of the first quarter, Edwards had tallied 16 points and five rebounds, leading the Timberwolves to a substantial 34-14 advantage. The Thunder struggled to recover from this early setback, with Edwards continuing to deliver crucial points, including a hanging reverse layup that exemplified his dominant performance.
The importance of leadership was evident throughout the game, particularly in how Edwards uplifted his teammates. Chris Finch, the Timberwolves coach, praised Edwards’ positivity and resilience, stating that his leadership had reached new heights. “He’s always ready to go,” Finch remarked, highlighting Edwards’ role in fostering team morale after the disappointing Game 2.
Teammate Julius Randle also recognized Edwards' selflessness and ability to connect with others, especially after Randle’s underwhelming performance in Game 2. “He’s very in tune with his teammates,” Randle said, emphasizing how Edwards’ supportive nature helped him bounce back in Game 3.
As the Timberwolves prepared for Game 3, the focus extended beyond strategy and tactics. The team’s off-day was marked by a reflective atmosphere, allowing players to individually regroup and refocus. Conley described it as a “non-verbal day,” where players encouraged each other without the need for motivational speeches. This approach proved effective as the team came together for a unified and determined performance.
Despite his standout performance, Edwards remained grounded in his post-game reflections. “It’s just one win,” he stated, emphasizing the need to maintain focus and not get overly excited. Acknowledging the strength of the Thunder, he recognized the challenge ahead in securing consecutive victories.
As the series progresses, the Timberwolves will rely on Edwards’ leadership and talent to continue their playoff journey. With his recent performance, he has not only demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion but has also solidified his role as a key player for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the ongoing Western Conference finals.
