Timberwolves head coach has clear message for Anthony Edwards after Game 1 loss
Context:
The Minnesota Timberwolves lost to the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals, despite Golden State's Steph Curry leaving the game early due to a hamstring strain. A poor shooting performance from three-point range, where the team went 5-29, diminished their chances of winning. Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves' key player, had a disappointing game, failing to score any field goals in the first half and showing weak defensive efforts. Timberwolves' head coach Chris Finch publicly challenged Edwards to step up as a leader and maintain energy, regardless of shooting performance. Edwards accepted responsibility for the team's poor performance, acknowledging the need for improvement in the upcoming games.
Dive Deeper:
The Minnesota Timberwolves faced a tough loss against the Golden State Warriors with a final score of 99-88 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals, even though the Warriors' star player, Steph Curry, exited early with an injury.
The Timberwolves struggled with their shooting accuracy, making only 5 out of 29 three-point attempts, which significantly hindered their ability to compete effectively in the game.
Anthony Edwards, who is considered the Timberwolves' best player, had a particularly challenging night, failing to make a single field goal in the first half and exhibiting subpar defensive performance.
Chris Finch, the head coach of the Timberwolves, addressed Edwards' lackluster performance publicly, implying that as the team's leader, he must set the tone and bring energy even when his shots aren't landing.
In response to the criticism, Anthony Edwards took accountability for the team's lackluster performance, stating that critics can blame him and acknowledging that they simply did not play well enough to win.
The comments from both Finch and Edwards highlight the expectation for Edwards to elevate his game and lead by example, especially as the team moves forward into Game 2.
The Timberwolves' response in Game 2, particularly from Edwards, will be crucial in determining whether they can bounce back from the initial setback and advance in the playoffs.
The Minnesota Timberwolves suffered a brutal defeat in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals, falling to the Golden State Warriors 99-88.
With superstar Steph Curry exiting the game early in the first half with a hamstring strain, the T-Wolves had a very winnable game on their hands. However, an abysmal three-point performance (5-29 from three) kept Minnesota out of the game.
It also didn't help that Anthony Edwards, undoubtedly the Timberwolves' best player, had a brutal night himself. The Olympian didn't make a single field goal in the first half and was lagging defensively.
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch called out his star player's performance, likely in an attempt to get him going heading into Game 2.
"What is there to talk about? You’re the leader of the team, and you gotta come out and set the tone. ... If you're shot's not going, you still have to carry the energy. If I've got to talk to guys about having the right energy coming into the opening game of the second round, we're not on the same page."
To Edwards' credit, he took responsibility himself post-game.
"People are going to try to blame whatever, blame whoever; they can blame me, we just didn't play good enough."
We'll see how he responds on the court Thursday night in Game 2.
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