Anthony Edwards 'Disappointed' Despite Timberwolves' Wild Win vs. Spurs – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
San Antonio – Anthony Edwards pushed through lingering effects from a serious knee injury to deliver crucial points for the Minnesota Timberwolves in their 104-102 Game 1 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night.[1][2] The star guard’s return after just nine days injected energy into a squad that entered as heavy underdogs against the 62-win Spurs. Yet even as his team stole home-court advantage in the Western Conference semifinals, Edwards fixated on his own shortcomings down the stretch.
The Astonishing Injury Turnaround
Edwards sustained a hyperextended left knee and bone bruise on April 25 during Game 4 of Minnesota’s first-round series against Denver.[3] Medical staff initially projected a multi-week absence, with the earliest return pegged for Game 2 of this series. Instead, aggressive rehabilitation – including underwater treadmill sessions, resistance band work, and light practice – brought him back for the opener.[1]
Coach Chris Finch confirmed Edwards’ availability just 90 minutes before tipoff, limiting him to 25 minutes off the bench to manage the bulky knee sleeve and lack of full contact prep.[3] Teammate Mike Conley called him a “hero” for the effort, drawing parallels to his own quick playoff return years earlier after a facial fracture. Edwards grabbed his knee briefly after a second-half layup but insisted postgame that it felt solid.
Fourth-Quarter Spark Amid Tense Moments
The Timberwolves trailed entering the final frame but mounted a surge, holding the Spurs to low output while leaning on balanced scoring. Julius Randle paced Minnesota with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Rudy Gobert anchored the defense.[4] Edwards erupted for 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting in the first five minutes of the quarter, providing the offensive jolt needed to seize control.[2]
Tension mounted late as San Antonio clawed back. Edwards’ inbound turnover sparked a transition dunk for Dylan Harper, and he yielded two critical offensive rebounds to Justin Champagnie, leading to putbacks that trimmed the lead to two. Champagnie’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer rimmed out, sealing the road win for Minnesota.[1]
Edwards Holds Himself to a Higher Standard
Despite the 18 points on efficient 8-of-13 shooting – including 2-of-3 from deep – Edwards zeroed in on mental lapses. “I made so many mistakes at the end of the game,” he told reporters. “I’m disappointed in myself. For me, 75 percent of the game for me is my mind.”[2]
He elaborated on the specific errors: the turnover and rebounds given up to Champagnie. “I may not be as athletic as I usually am, but I’ve got to be able to box out, make the small plays to win the big-time games,” Edwards said. Still, he praised the group’s unity: “We just want to win ball games, that’s all we want to do as a group, no matter whose night it is.”[4][2]
Key Late-Game Moments:
- Edwards’ 11-point fourth-quarter burst builds lead.
- Inbound turnover hands Spurs transition points.
- Two offensive rebounds surrendered to Champagnie.
- Spurs’ final 3 misses at buzzer.
Neutralizing Wembanyama’s Historic Defense
Victor Wembanyama authored a playoff-record 12 blocks to go with 11 points and 15 rebounds, yet the Spurs faltered offensively.[1] He and De’Aaron Fox combined for 10-of-31 shooting and 0-of-12 from 3-point range, as Minnesota’s swarming defense limited San Antonio to 45 first-half points. Jaden McDaniels advised treating the towering center as “not there” and attacking relentlessly.
The Timberwolves’ resilience shone through, with Edwards crediting the collective effort over individual feats. His mere presence steadied the lineup, as he noted: “I know for a fact that me being out there calms everybody down.”[1]
What Comes Next for the Series
Game 2 arrives Wednesday at the Frost Bank Center, with Minnesota holding a 1-0 edge and Edwards vowing improvement. His knee held up under duress, but coaches will monitor minutes closely given the tight schedule. The quick healing raises questions about long-term risk, yet it embodies the star’s commitment to a deep playoff run.
For Edwards, the win offered validation but no complacency. His self-accountability could prove the sharper edge as the underdogs face a wounded Spurs squad hungry for a response.
