The Minnesota Timberwolves' playoff journey came to a halt in Game 5 of the conference finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, a matchup that put a spotlight on the team's rising star, Anthony Edwards. Despite a season filled with thrilling performances, Edwards experienced a night to forget as the Timberwolves fell short, ending their hopes for a championship run.
It was a rollercoaster for the Timberwolves from the get-go. Trailing the Thunder with a 1-3 record in the series, they needed a win at the Paycom Center to keep their postseason dreams alive.
But a sluggish start set the tone, with the Timberwolves putting up just nine points in the opening quarter. The Thunder seized the opportunity, showcasing their firepower in the second quarter and creating a gap that the Timberwolves would struggle to close.
Anthony Edwards, who had been a pivotal force throughout the season, found it tough going against Oklahoma City. Over 38 minutes on the court, he notched 19 points, two assists, and six rebounds.
Unfortunately, that effort wasn't enough to counteract the Thunder's dominance. Julius Randle contributed with 24 points, three assists, and five rebounds, cementing the Thunder's commanding win with a 94-124 blowout over Minnesota.
Edwards' post-game comments drew criticism, notably from former NBA standout Lou Williams, who chimed in on the Run It Back Podcast on FDTV. Williams, reflecting on his career and the scarcity of deep playoff runs, chided Edwards for not fully appreciating the occasion.
“I’ve been to the Eastern Conference Finals once in 17 years. That is something you don’t want to take for granted,” Williams remarked, highlighting the importance of savoring these opportunities when they arise.
This playoff exit marked a disappointing end to an otherwise stellar season for Edwards. He finished the regular season averaging 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists across 79 games. Edwards continued his impressive form into the postseason, participating in all 15 games while averaging 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists.
While the Timberwolves' season didn't culminate in a championship, Edwards' contributions have set the stage for future successes. As fans and analysts critique, it's clear that Edwards and the Timberwolves have the foundation to build on going forward, and it’s only a matter of time before they’re back making noise in the playoffs.
