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Anthony Edwards: A Game 1 to Forget, and a Coach's Stern Warning
The Minnesota Timberwolves' Western Conference Semifinals opener against the Golden State Warriors ended in a disappointing 99-88 loss, a game that saw star guard Anthony Edwards struggle mightily. Even with Steph Curry leaving the game early due to a hamstring injury, the Timberwolves couldn't capitalize, and the blame, according to coach Chris Finch, falls squarely on Edwards' shoulders.
A Night of Struggles
Edwards had a truly off night, missing his first eleven shots. The Timberwolves' overall shooting was abysmal, finishing a dismal 5-for-29 from three-point range—a stunning 17.2%—after a similarly poor performance against the Lakers. This offensive ineptitude was the major factor in their defeat, overshadowing even Curry's absence.
- Abysmal Shooting: The team's 17.2% three-point shooting was a major factor in their loss. They missed their first 16 three-point attempts.
- Edwards' Early Struggles: Anthony Edwards, the team's leader, struggled significantly in the first half, scoring only one point.
- Finch's Criticism: Coach Chris Finch openly criticized Edwards' lack of energy and pre-determined approach to the game.
While Edwards ultimately finished with 23 points (9-of-22 from the field), his slow start and apparent lack of energy significantly impacted the team's overall performance. His first-half struggles were particularly damaging, leaving the Timberwolves trailing by a significant margin at halftime.
Finch Calls Out Edwards
Following the loss, Coach Finch didn't pull any punches in his post-game press conference. He directly addressed Edwards' performance, stating that the team's struggles "start with Ant." Finch emphasized the importance of leadership, particularly when shots aren't falling. He stressed that even when a player's shot isn't going in, they must maintain energy and set a positive tone for the team. Finch's comments highlighted a clear expectation that Edwards, as the team leader, should elevate his game and inspire his teammates, even during difficult stretches.
Finch's criticism wasn't solely focused on Edwards' scoring woes. He also pointed to poor transition execution, calling the team's decision-making "diabolical." This further underscored the team's overall lack of cohesive offensive execution. While Edwards' performance was highlighted, it wasn't the sole cause of the team’s issues. The entire team needs to show improvement in subsequent games.
Looking Ahead to Game 2
The Timberwolves face a crucial Game 2 at home, with the series tied 0-1. They have a chance to even the series, particularly given Curry's injury. However, a significant improvement in their shooting performance and overall offensive execution, starting with Edwards, is essential for them to avoid falling further behind in this series.
The focus will be on whether Edwards can bounce back from his disappointing Game 1 performance and provide the leadership his team needs. This game will be a test not only of his individual skill but also his ability to lead his team through adversity, an aspect Coach Finch clearly feels needs improvement.
Conclusion
Anthony Edwards' subpar performance in Game 1 served as a stark reminder of the pressure on a team's star player in the playoffs. While the Timberwolves faced numerous challenges, including a poor shooting night, Coach Finch’s pointed criticism underscores the need for improved leadership and consistency from Edwards. Game 2 presents a critical opportunity for Edwards and the Timberwolves to demonstrate their ability to overcome adversity and rise to the challenge of the playoffs.
