Anthony Edwards’ confidence and trash-talking are often key components of his game, as he frequently proclaims himself as one of the league’s best young stars. However, in the Timberwolves’ recent 114-106 loss to the Warriors, Edwards fell short during the most critical moments. Known for his bold demeanor and belief in his ability to take over games, Edwards faced a humbling reality as his struggles in the last 4:07 of the contest ultimately sealed Minnesota’s fate.
In the final minutes, Edwards went scoreless, missing all six of his shot attempts, including three from beyond the arc. His sequence of missed opportunities began with a 23-foot three-point miss at the 4:07 mark, followed by a missed jumper, an 8-foot attempt, and another long three-pointer.
He grabbed a defensive rebound at the 1:49 mark but quickly committed a bad pass, which led to a Gary Payton II steal. His final attempt, a two-point shot with 47 seconds left, also clanged off the rim. Edwards, usually so confident and clutch, was visibly frustrated as his attempts failed to fall.
For the fourth quarter, Edwards shot just 1-7 from the field and 1-4 from three-point range, finishing with three points, two turnovers, and a lone steal. His usually confident swagger was replaced by visible disappointment as he failed to deliver on the big stage.
The lackluster finish overshadowed what had been an otherwise sensational game for Edwards. Through the first three quarters, he scored 24 points on an efficient 9-12 from the field, including 4-5 from three-point range. By the final buzzer, Edwards ended with 27 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 6 turnovers, shooting 10-19 from the field and 5-9 from deep.
Edwards had been the driving force behind the Timberwolves’ offense for much of the game, keeping pace with the Warriors’ high-octane scoring. Yet, when it mattered most, the Warriors’ defensive adjustments, spearheaded by Payton, neutralized his impact.
Gary Payton II played a pivotal role in shutting down Edwards during the game’s critical moments. His relentless pressure disrupted Edwards’ rhythm, forcing him into tough shots and costly mistakes. Payton’s defensive prowess was a key factor in the Warriors limiting the Timberwolves to just 28.6% shooting in the fourth quarter.
The Timberwolves, riding a five-game win streak before this game, had an opportunity to cement their status as contenders in the Western Conference. Edwards’ cold streak in the final minutes, however, highlighted a lack of consistent offensive support. Julius Randle’s poor shooting night (4-15 FG) and Rudy Gobert’s struggles (4 points, 9 rebounds) further compounded their issues.
Anthony Edwards’ brilliance through three quarters couldn’t save the Timberwolves from a late-game collapse against the Warriors. His fourth-quarter struggles, combined with Gary Payton II’s defensive masterclass, turned a potential win into a frustrating loss. For Minnesota, this game serves as a reminder of the importance of consistency and the need to execute under pressure. Edwards remains a rising star, but nights like these underline the challenges of becoming an elite closer in the NBA.
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