Anthony Edwards gets real on ankle injury after Game 1 loss vs. Thunder

Published: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 4:08 am

Edwards Downplays Ankle Injury After Timberwolves' Game 1 Loss to Thunder

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards downplayed an ankle injury sustained during Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, despite a noticeable impact on his performance. Edwards, who appeared to twist his right ankle in the first quarter, finished the game with 18 points, nine rebounds, and three assists in 36 minutes of play. However, his shooting efficiency suffered, going 5-of-13 from the field, including a scoreless fourth quarter.

The injury occurred when Edwards drove to the basket and landed awkwardly. He briefly left the game to have his ankle re-taped before returning. While Edwards initially showed promise with 7 points in the first quarter, his scoring slowed significantly afterward.

Following the game, Edwards dismissed the injury's impact, stating, "No," when asked if it affected him. Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch echoed this sentiment, saying Edwards "appeared fine" despite the sprain, noting it was "a bit sore at halftime."

Edwards attributed his struggles to the Thunder's defense, specifically their ability to clog the paint and limit his drives. He acknowledged that OKC "took that aspect of my game away tonight."

The Timberwolves now face a crucial Game 2 on Thursday night in Oklahoma City, where they'll look to even the series.

BNN's Perspective: While Edwards' resilience is admirable, the impact on his performance is undeniable. It's wise to downplay injuries publicly, but the Timberwolves' coaching staff will need to monitor his condition closely. The Thunder's defense is clearly a factor, but Edwards' ability to overcome any lingering discomfort will be critical for Minnesota's chances in this series.

Keywords: Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves, Thunder, NBA Playoffs, Ankle Injury, Game 1, Western Conference Finals, Chris Finch, Oklahoma City, Minnesota, Basketball, Injury Report, Scoring, Performance, Game 2

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