After being eliminated in five games by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards summed up his respect for OKC’s defense with one vivid phrase:
“15 puppets on one string.”
It was a poetic but powerful way to describe the suffocating, synchronized, and relentless defensive unit that had just dismantled one of the league’s most dynamic offenses.
The Thunder were a defensive powerhouse all season long, finishing the regular season with the best defensive rating in the league. And in the playoffs, they’ve only turned up the intensity.
Against Minnesota, they held the Timberwolves under 100 points in two of the five games and consistently forced turnovers that disrupted any rhythm. They averaged 11.0 steals per game and forced an eye-popping 17.4 turnovers per game from a Wolves team known for its poise and halfcourt structure.
Edwards, who entered the series as arguably the breakout superstar of the playoffs, put up 23.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game against OKC, solid numbers on the surface.
But he shot just 47.1% from the field and 28.2% from three, while committing 3.2 turnovers per game. It was clear the Thunder defense made his life difficult on every possession. They chased him over screens, sent double teams at the right time, and rotated behind the play like a single hive mind. Hence, Edwards’ quote.
Julius Randle, another Timberwolves contributor, also found it difficult to consistently break through the Thunder’s wall of defenders. Though he averaged 17.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists on a respectable 48.3% from the field and 47.8% from three, most of his production came in spurts and rarely swung the game’s momentum.
While the defense has garnered headlines, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominance cannot be overlooked. After dropping 34 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and two steals in Game 5, SGA earned the Western Conference Finals MVP.
His consistency and leadership have drawn comparisons to the greats, as he joined Michael Jordan and LeBron James as the only players in NBA history to record 30+ points and 5+ assists 10 or more times in a single postseason.
In total, SGA is averaging 29.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.7 rebounds this postseason, putting together one of the most efficient and complete playoff runs we’ve seen from a guard in years. He’s now tied with Jordan for the fifth-most 30-point games in a single season across regular season and playoffs, with 59.
As Edwards watches the Finals from home, his words might echo through the league, a warning to future opponents. The Thunder’s defense isn’t just statistically great. It’s visually overwhelming, mentally draining, and beautifully orchestrated.
Their youth might suggest inexperience, but what OKC has built under Sam Presti is beginning to look like the next great NBA dynasty.
“15 puppets on one string” might go down as the perfect description of a team in total harmony, just four wins away from a championship.
Anthony Edwards Feels Sorry For Letting Down Mike Conley Two Years In A Row
Anthony Edwards is known for his swagger and confidence, but after the Minnesota Timberwolves were eliminated in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, the 22-year-old star showed a different side. Sitting at the podium, visibly frustrated and emotional, Edwards didn’t talk about stats or missed shots. Instead, he talked about Mike Conley.
“It’s exciting. I don’t know why people would think it would hurt. I mean, it’s exciting for me. I’m 23. I get to do it a whole bunch of times.”
“I’m hurt more so for myself, for Mike. I came up short for Mike. Like I said, we tried last year. We couldn’t get it. We tried again this year. I’m gonna try again next year. But ‘hurting’ is a terrible word to use. I’m good.”
This is the second consecutive season that the Timberwolves made it deep into the playoffs only to fall short of reaching the NBA Finals. Last year, they were stopped by the Dallas Mavericks.
This year, despite a strong push and a season that turned around after March 1, they were overwhelmed by OKC’s elite defense. Edwards had ambitions of pushing the Wolves further than they had been in two decades, and he wanted to do it for Conley, who remains one of the most respected veterans in the league.
Conley, 37, has never reached the NBA Finals in his 18-year career. Though he struggled at times against the Thunder’s suffocating defense, his leadership and calm presence were vital throughout the Timberwolves’ season. He averaged 8.2 points and 4.5 assists in the regular season and played a stabilizing role in the playoffs.
Edwards, who had 19 points on 7-of-18 shooting in the Game 5 loss, has now vowed to spend the offseason working harder than ever.
The Timberwolves believe their window is still open. And Edwards is making it clear: he’s not just chasing a ring for himself, he’s chasing it for Mike Conley too.
