Anthony Edwards made it clear that he’s not about fists — he’s about fighting. The Minnesota Timberwolves star responded to the chaotic skirmish during Sunday night’s 123-104 win over the Detroit Pistons with fire and leadership, channeling the tension into dominance on the court rather than retaliation off it.
“If we gonna fight, let’s fight then. They out, we out, it’s time to fight. We can’t throw punches, let throw punches on the court.”
That was the energy he carried, especially in a third quarter where he exploded for 20 of his 25 points, burying Detroit with long-range bombs, hustle plays, and signature swagger.
The fight he referred to came earlier in the second quarter, when a hard foul on Naz Reid ignited a brawl that led to five player ejections — including Reid and Donte DiVincenzo from Minnesota, and Ron Holland II, Marcus Sasser, and Isaiah Stewart from Detroit.
Coaches J.B. Bickerstaff and Pablo Prigioni were also tossed. The scuffle disrupted the rhythm of the game and could’ve unraveled the Timberwolves, who trailed by 16 at one point.
Instead, it did the opposite.
Edwards, alongside veteran forward Julius Randle, who finished with 26 points and eight rebounds, helped refocus the team. It was the type of game that needed more than buckets — it needed toughness, poise, and leadership. And Edwards delivered, not with his fists, but with 4 three-pointers, two blocks, and a relentless energy that turned the tide in Minnesota’s favor.
The Pistons — already without All-Star guard Cade Cunningham — unraveled in the second half without several key pieces. Minnesota outscored them 69-44 after halftime, turning a tense matchup into a statement win. Rudy Gobert owned the paint with 19 points and a jaw-dropping 25 rebounds, his most in a game since 2021.
The Timberwolves also got strong contributions from Mike Conley (17 points) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (11 off the bench).
But it was Edwards who ignited the charge. His 182nd career 25-point game — fifth-most all-time for players 23 and under — was another reminder that he’s not just the Timberwolves’ present, but also their future.
He now leads the NBA with five 20+ point quarters this season, a testament to his ability to flip a game on its head in moments of chaos.
With the win, Minnesota improved to 43-32 and kept pace in the Western Conference playoff picture. The Timberwolves now head out for a crucial five-game road trip, beginning with a matchup against the defending champion Denver Nuggets.
If Sunday’s performance was any indication, Edwards isn’t backing down from the fight. He’s leading it — one bucket, one rebound, and one locked-in second half at a time.
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