MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves are currently navigating the absence of two important players while looking for rejuvenation in midwinter, and Anthony Edwards has stepped up, showcasing his potential as an NBA superstar.
In a span of just two days, Edwards scored a remarkable total of 90 points, leading the team to victories in both games.
“I believe he fully understands what the team needs from him now,” expressed head coach Chris Finch, praising Edwards for his relentless drive towards the basket during the Timberwolves’ Thursday matchup against Houston, which ended in a 127-114 victory. “He’s making rapid decisions on the court. When there’s a chance to sprint, he takes it. When the opportunity to shoot arises, he shoots. He’s also initiating plays effectively from the catch, resulting in numerous visits to the free-throw line. His recent performance has been nothing short of exceptional.”
Edwards achieved two notable milestones during the game on Thursday. He recorded his 14th career game with at least 40 points, surpassing Karl-Anthony Towns for the franchise record. Additionally, at just 23 years old, he became the youngest player in NBA history to make 1,000 three-pointers.
In total, over the last two games against Chicago and Houston, he shot 24 of 53 from the field, 11 of 26 from beyond the arc, and made an impressive 31 of 33 free throws.
“It feels incredible, honestly, especially considering all the skepticism about my shooting when I entered the league,” said Edwards, who is currently shooting a career-high 42.1% from three-point range. “I look forward to hearing what critics say about my shooting now.”
For the Timberwolves to realize their full potential, it is crucial for Edwards to be a dynamic presence, not just in execution but as the emotional core of the team. His energy has been palpable this week, exemplified by his poise in a spirited confrontation with the Rockets’ Dillon Brooks, proving that he can remain composed under pressure.
“Once Dillon Brooks and I went at it, I felt a surge of energy. In that moment, I couldn’t let fatigue be an excuse because someone challenged me,” Edwards reflected. “It was time to play hard. I had to show up—not let exhaustion stand in my way.”
The offseason trade that moved cornerstone player Karl-Anthony Towns to New York in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo has thrust Edwards into a more prominent leadership position. Towns previously served as the team’s emotional anchor and morale booster, making Edwards the natural leader both in vocal presence and symbolic representation.
“We see ourselves as a team that should be competing at a higher level, but we haven’t reached that yet,” commented point guard Mike Conley. “Edwards has been exemplary in not allowing frustrations to affect his performance—it’s been commendable.”
Following a groundbreaking season that saw the Timberwolves advance to the Western Conference finals, the current season has presented more challenges as they’ve adjusted to their new lineup and dealt with injuries to players like Randle and DiVincenzo. Additionally, the Timberwolves are now on opponents’ radars, leading to tougher competition.
Edwards has encountered some growing pains himself, including dealing with frequent double-teams and questionable foul calls that he has vocally contested. He has addressed his frustrations during postgame interviews, leading to a total of $285,000 in fines from the league this season.
As a team, the Timberwolves have also struggled with slow starts against underperforming teams, reflecting a need for focus and maturity. This issue centers around Edwards, who Coach Finch has openly critiqued for inconsistent efforts; however, in their last two games, there was little for him to address negatively.
Edwards not only thrived during a challenging back-to-back set of games typically difficult for players but also spurred the team during a pivotal moment. While many competitors in the Western Conference made significant roster changes before the trade deadline, the Timberwolves opted for stability, confident that a healthy Randle and DiVincenzo will elevate the team after the All-Star break.
Currently, the Timberwolves hold a 21-14 record against the Western Conference, a solid foundation for aspiring playoff contention. They face a demanding schedule ahead, with games against top teams—including the leading Oklahoma City and Eastern Conference frontrunner Cleveland—coming up.
“My goal is always to deliver results, but if it doesn’t go as planned, I’ll be fine. I don’t stress about it,” Edwards stated. “I know I’ve put the work in, and whatever the outcome, I accept it.”
