Anthony Edwards has never been shy about putting the ball in the bucket. He’s one of the NBA’s most dynamic scorers-equal parts power, finesse, and confidence.
But when the Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off a 123-111 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night, it wasn’t just Edwards’ offense that made the difference. It was defense-and Edwards knows it.
“I don’t want to jinx it, man,” Edwards said postgame. “But I’m liking the way our defense is looking these last couple of games.”
That’s not just lip service. The Timberwolves have now won three straight, and they’re doing it with a defensive edge that starts with their 24-year-old star.
Edwards has always had the tools to be a top-tier defender-size, strength, lateral quickness-but now he’s leaning into the responsibility. He’s not just scoring; he’s setting the tone.
“I think it starts with me on the defensive end,” Edwards said. “If I’m guarding at a high level, I think everybody’s gotta do it.”
That’s leadership. That’s accountability.
And that’s exactly what Minnesota needs from its franchise cornerstone. Defense isn’t always glamorous, especially for a player known for highlight dunks and deep threes, but Edwards is embracing the grind.
He admitted it’s not easy-“It’s definitely hard for sure”-but he’s choosing to take on the challenge.
Against Oklahoma City, that commitment showed. The Thunder came into the game with the league’s top-scoring offense, averaging 120.4 points per game.
Minnesota held them below that mark and forced 16 turnovers, turning those mistakes into 30 points on the other end. That’s how you flip a game.
Edwards did his part on both ends, finishing with 26 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals. He was aggressive, efficient, and engaged.
Some Anthony Edwards postgame tonight. pic.twitter.com/bo3MyRit0l
— Chris Hine (@ChristopherHine) January 30, 2026
And he wasn’t alone. Jaden McDaniels stepped up with 21 points, four boards, four assists, and a pair of blocks-a reminder of how important his two-way presence is for this Timberwolves squad.
The win wasn’t just a statement-it was a blueprint. When Minnesota locks in defensively and lets their offense flow from stops and turnovers, they become a problem. And if Edwards continues to lead the way on both ends, the Wolves might just be scratching the surface of what they can be.
Next up: a Saturday showdown with the Memphis Grizzlies. If Minnesota brings this same defensive energy, they’ll be tough to beat.