The Minnesota Timberwolves entered the season with high hopes of competing for an NBA championship, building on their recent progress as a young and talented team. However, their aspirations have hit early roadblocks, as they’ve struggled to find consistency. Heading into Thursday night’s nationally televised game against the Boston Celtics, the Timberwolves held a 17–15 record, and their quest to make a statement fell short in a 118-115 loss.
Star guard Anthony Edwards had a tough outing, shooting just 5-for-16 from the field and finishing with 15 points and a -10 plus/minus rating. Following the game, Edwards candidly discussed his frustrations with the way opposing teams are defending him, shedding light on the challenges he’s facing as the focal point of defenses.
Edwards Expresses Frustration with Double Teams
In his postgame interview, Edwards didn’t mince words about the difficulties he’s experiencing against increasingly aggressive defensive strategies.
“That was a good brand of basketball, but it’s not how I want to play, of course,” Edwards said. “I’m only 23—I don’t wanna just be passing the ball all night. I don’t want to be like Mike Conley at all. But the way they’re guarding me, I think I have to.”
The young star acknowledged that the constant double teams and the need to act as a distributor have taken a mental toll, making it challenging to stay fully engaged in games.
“It’s super hard. Super hard,” Edwards admitted. “I’m wired to score the ball. I don’t think their plan is to mentally take me out, because it doesn’t take me all the way out of the game. But them doubling me is definitely like, ‘What is going on?’”
He added, “I don’t want to make it seem like I’m chasing the ball all the time. But when I get doubled and give it up, and then I’m in the corner, it makes it seem like the double team won. I don’t know what to do, honestly. It’s not fun. I don’t want to look like I’m not trying or that I’m not as good as I am because I can’t show it because I’m getting double-teamed.”
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A Common Challenge for Superstars
Edwards’ honesty about his struggles with defensive attention is rare but relatable. Every great player in NBA history has faced similar hurdles as opponents devise strategies to neutralize their impact. However, few have been as open as Edwards about their difficulties navigating this aspect of the game.
The defensive pressure has impacted Edwards’ performance this season. His scoring average has dipped by 1.4 points compared to last year, while his assists have decreased by 1.1 per game.
His field goal percentage has also taken a significant hit, and his free throw attempts have dropped from 6.8 per game last season to just 3.8 this year. These declines highlight the adjustments Edwards must make to counter the intense defensive focus.
A Pivotal Moment for Edwards and the Timberwolves
Edwards’ development as a star will hinge on his ability to adapt to these challenges. As the Timberwolves’ primary offensive weapon, he will need to find ways to remain effective despite the extra attention, whether by improving his playmaking, becoming more efficient in high-pressure situations, or finding ways to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line.
The Timberwolves, currently sitting eighth in the Western Conference, are in a precarious position. They are only 1.5 games clear of falling out of the Play-In tournament, and their success hinges on Edwards’ ability to rise to the occasion.
Head coach Chris Finch and the team must work together to find solutions, whether by creating more off-ball opportunities for Edwards or leveraging other players to alleviate the pressure on their young star.
The Path Forward
For Edwards, this period of adversity represents an opportunity for growth. While it’s understandable for a 23-year-old to feel frustrated, the best players in NBA history have used such challenges as fuel to elevate their games.
If Edwards can channel his frustration into a renewed focus on adapting and improving, he has the potential to solidify himself as one of the league’s premier talents.
The Timberwolves, meanwhile, must recognize the urgency of the situation. As the team strives to meet its lofty goals, their ability to support Edwards and maximize his impact will be critical.
Whether through strategic adjustments or fostering a culture of resilience, the next steps for Edwards and the Timberwolves will determine whether they can transform their early struggles into a successful season.
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