Anthony Edwards Stifled Again, Timberwolves on Brink of Elimination!

Hello, I’m Dan Gartland. Even though it’s a smart move, I really disliked watching the Thunder intentionally foul when they were leading by three points towards the end of the game.

In this morning’s SI:AM:

The Thunder nears victory
SEC’s divisive figurehead
Cornell claims the title

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He Needed to Step Up

After scoring only 18 points on 13 shots in the first game of the Western Conference finals last week, Minnesota Timberwolves’ star Anthony Edwards was clear on what needed to change for his team to rebound in the series.

“I definitely need to take more shots,” Edwards remarked. “I only took 13 f—ing shots.”

So, what unfolded in Game 4 last night with Minnesota trailing 2–1 in the series? He took just 13 f—ing shots again.

Edwards managed only 16 points—just the fourth instance in his 41 career playoff appearances where he didn’t reach at least 18 points—and the Oklahoma City Thunder secured a 128–126 win to take a 3–1 series lead. They could clinch the series tomorrow night in OKC.

Despite Edwards’ efforts to increase his offensive involvement, the Thunder’s top-rated defense made it tough for him throughout the game. Edwards was heavily guarded by Luguentz Dort and Alex Caruso, forcing him to rely on his teammates to contribute. And they did. With star forward Julius Randle also limited (five points on 1-of-7 shooting), Minnesota’s bench players stepped up. Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 23 points and Donte DiVincenzo contributed 21. Starter Jaden McDaniels, who averaged 12.2 points per game during the regular season, added 22.

Edwards, however, tried to keep a positive outlook.

“I don’t see it as me struggling,” he explained post-game. “They had a solid game plan, especially against me, they were really in the gaps. I made the right plays all night. So I don’t see it as struggling. I didn’t take enough shots to say I struggled. That may be your perspective, but no, I didn’t struggle at all, I made the right plays.”

Edwards might be onto something. Passing to an open teammate while under pressure from a tough defense might indeed be the prudent decision. However, there comes a time when Edwards must find ways to overcome the defensive tactics of the Thunder. He has already demonstrated that he can perform against OKC, scoring 32 points in Game 2 and 30 in Game 3.

The lack of shot attempts by Edwards wasn’t Minnesota’s only issue. The Timberwolves also committed 23 turnovers (five each from Edwards and Randle) and allowed the Thunder to grab 19 offensive rebounds, the most by any opponent this postseason.

“If you eliminate the offensive rebounds and turnovers, and the junk points that come with them, it’s a completely different game,” DiVincenzo stated.

Despite the missteps for the T-Wolves, they were lucky that the game remained as close as it did. But the Thunder managed to keep Minnesota just out of reach all evening. OKC led for the final 16 minutes of the game, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, living up to his MVP status, hit seven crucial free throws in the closing minutes to preserve their lead.

The Thunder’s ability to maintain high-level play for the entire 48 minutes and close out a tightly contested road game puts them on the cusp of their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012. For the Timberwolves, the challenge of winning three consecutive games against the league’s top team to save their season is daunting. Without Edwards taking charge, it could prove to be an insurmountable task.

Highlights from Sports Illustrated

• SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey is making waves in college sports, yet as Pat Forde notes, his tactics are sparking debate. Rory McIlroy is sitting out another major tournament.
• Bob Harig sheds light on why the world’s No. 2-ranked golfer is making such selective tournament appearances.
• The Carolina Hurricanes’ recent victory ended their 15-game losing streak in the conference finals. On Monday night, the Hurricanes triumphed 3–0 over Florida on the road, reducing the Panthers’ series lead to 3–1.
• Paige Bueckers is back in Connecticut, this time as a pro, as the Dallas Wings face the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday evening.
• Houston Texans rookie wide receiver Jaylin Noel discusses Iowa State football and his college quarterback, Brock Purdy, securing a significant contract.
• Caitlin Clark will be out for at least two weeks due to a leg injury.
• The Cornell Big Red secured their first men’s lacrosse national title in almost five decades by defeating the Maryland Terrapins.
• A disturbing incident occurred in the stands during the inaugural match between LA Galaxy and the new MLS team, San Diego FC.

Top Five Highlights

… moments I witnessed yesterday:

5. Doris Burke’s commentary on Rudy Gobert’s dunk over Isaiah Hartenstein.

4. Logan Stankoven’s precise shot scored the Hurricanes’ first goal in their victory over the Panthers.

3. The Padres clinching a win with a wild pitch walk-off.

2. Cornell senior CJ Kirst’s goal in the final quarter of the national championship match equaled the NCAA single-season goals record (82), cementing his status as the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer.

1. A spectacular defensive maneuver by Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.