Anthony Edwards is ready to carry a heavier load for the Minnesota Timberwolves as the series shifts to a pivotal Game 3. After a blowout loss to the San Antonio Spurs, the explosive guard made it clear: his knee is feeling good, and he's prepared to take on whatever minutes are needed.
Edwards came off the bench in Game 2, scoring 12 points in just 24 minutes—well below his season average. The Spurs dismantled the Timberwolves 133-95 in San Antonio, tying the Western Conference semifinals series at 1-1. It was a night to forget for Minnesota, but Edwards says the hyperextended left knee and bone bruise that sidelined him for two games is no longer a concern.
"That's not up to me," Edwards said when asked about logging more minutes. "If it's required. Whatever's required."
The Timberwolves will need every bit of that firepower. After a thrilling 104-102 win in Game 1—where Edwards dropped 18 points in 25 minutes—Minnesota got thoroughly outplayed in every facet. The Spurs shot 50% from the field, dominated the boards 55-43, and dished out 29 assists to the Timberwolves' 19. They also forced 22 turnovers while committing just 15 themselves.
The stat sheet tells a brutal story: San Antonio outscored Minnesota 29-5 on fast breaks, 58-36 in the paint, and 55-51 off the bench. At one point, the lead ballooned to 47 points. NBA MVP finalist Victor Wembanyama posted a dominant 19 points and 15 rebounds, while second-year guard Stephon Castle led all scorers with 21 points.
"I thought the guys did a good job of playing with that appropriate urgency," Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said.
The game was competitive for all of one quarter. All four lead changes happened in the first period, but after Minnesota took its final advantage with 7:27 left in the opening frame, San Antonio responded with an 11-3 run to close the quarter. They never looked back. The Spurs outscored the Timberwolves 35-18 in the second quarter and led 59-35 at halftime.
Julian Champagnie caught fire in the third quarter, knocking down all four of his 3-point attempts to push the lead to 98-63 heading into the fourth. The Spurs cruised from there, outscoring Minnesota 35-32 in the final frame to seal the blowout.
"They just kicked our butt in every aspect of the game," Timberwolves coach Chris Finch admitted. "Offensively, defensively, it didn't matter."
Now, with the series tied and heading back to Minnesota, the Timberwolves need their star guard at full throttle. Edwards says he's ready. The question is whether the rest of the team can match that intensity.