LOS ANGELES – Minnesota Timberwolves standout Anthony Edwards is facing a probable suspension for one game following his ejection during the third quarter of their match against the Los Angeles Lakers. The ejection resulted after Edwards accumulated his 16th technical foul of the season on Thursday night, and he may also face a financial penalty for tossing the ball into the audience following the incident.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch commented on Edwards’ behavior, acknowledging the need for improvement. “He’s got to be better. He’s had too many outbursts. I think a lot of them are deserved,” Finch stated after Minnesota’s 111-102 defeat. Finch emphasized that while the team understands calls will occasionally be missed, they have addressed these issues with Edwards, and it ultimately remains on him to resolve.
According to crew chief James Williams, Edwards received his second technical foul for using profanity directed at a game official. The altercation emerged from Edwards’ frustration, as he believed a blocking foul should have been called against Lakers’ guard Gabe Vincent. Edwards attempted a drive during the incident.
Despite this, Finch defended Edwards, asserting that the situation merited a foul call. “It was a block. Just call the block and nothing happens,” declared Finch. “After that, I don’t really know what was said and what was not said. Clearly, it was a block right in front of me.”
At the time of Edwards’ ejection, the Timberwolves were trailing 74-59 with 5:21 remaining in the third quarter. However, they managed a strong comeback effort, narrowing their deficit to three points midway through the final quarter before eventually succumbing.
According to NBA regulations, a player who accumulates 16 technical fouls in a season is subject to a one-game suspension, with the penalty increasing by one game for every two additional technical fouls.
Minnesota is set to face Utah on Friday night in their subsequent game. Earlier in the match against the Lakers, both Los Angeles’ Jarred Vanderbilt and Edwards received technical fouls following an incident where they exchanged shoves at the conclusion of the first quarter.
Edwards, ranking fourth in the league with an average of 27.3 points per game this season, scored 18 points in 26 minutes during the game.
