OKLAHOMA CITY โ Determined to make an impact, Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves promised a more forceful performance. In Game 1 of the Western Conference finals, the standout guard was limited to 18 points from 13 attempts in a lopsided defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, in Game 2, Edwards increased his shooting efforts, delivering 32 points, but the outcome remained unchanged as the Timberwolves fell to the Thunder, 118-103, on Thursday night. With the win, the Thunder secured a 2-0 lead in the series.
Throughout the game, the Thunder employed multiple defenders to contain Edwards, including Lu Dort, recently recognized on the NBAโs All-Defensive team, and Alex Caruso, known for his defensive prowess as well. Edwards was successful in 12 of his 26 field goal attempts and made seven out of ten free throws. โOur team executed efficiently tonight,โ remarked Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. โEdwards was definitely more agile, but our defensive rotations made him earn his points. It wasnโt easy for him, and thatโs a credit to our guysโ commitment to the challenge.โ
Following a postgame outburst after Game 1, which resulted in a $50,000 fine, Edwards avoided press interactions altogether after Game 2, possibly due to mounting frustration. Having sustained an ankle injury in the first game, it seemed to hinder his capability in Game 2 as well. Typically explosive, Edwards appeared subdued, opting for layups in instances where he might typically overpower defenses with dunks. Despite consistently reaching the basket, comfort seemed elusive.
The struggle extended to his teammates, who collectively shot just 41.4% from the field and connected on only 11 of 39 attempts from three-point range. โWeโre getting open looks,โ commented Minnesotaโs Nickeil Alexander-Walker. โThese are shots we can make. I believe we will capitalize on these opportunities soon.โ
Julius Randle, who made a strong opening impact with 28 points in the first game, was held to six points on 2-for-11 shooting in the second contest. Alexander-Walker remains optimistic about improvement in Game 3, stating, โIโm not worried. I know Randle will respond. His competitive nature will drive him to come back vigorously in the next matchup.โ
With anticipation building for the next encounter, the Timberwolves aim to regroup and counter the growing momentum of the Thunder as the series progresses.