Timberwolves’ Coach Fires Up Anthony Edwards Following Lackluster Start Against Warriors

The Minnesota Timberwolves managed only 31 points in the first half during Tuesday’s Game 1, which ended in a 99-88 defeat to the Golden State Warriors. This lackluster beginning shaped the game’s outcome, especially notable since Golden State played without key player Steph Curry for a significant duration.

In the spotlight for this slow start was Anthony Edwards, the usually dynamic guard for the Timberwolves, who scored merely one point before the break. Despite this, he ended the game with a team-leading 23 points, though he shot only 9 for 22, including making just one of his five three-point attempts. Overall, the team struggled with a 5 for 29 from three-point range.

T-Wolves coach Chris Finch expressed dissatisfaction with Edwards’ performance in the early stages of the game. In his postgame media session, Finch emphasized the necessity for Edwards to be a more consistent presence, stating that his leadership is crucial regardless of his scoring.

“You’re the leader of the team, and you’ve got to come out and set the tone, in all ways that that happens,” Finch stated. “If your shot’s not going, you’ve still got to carry the energy. If I got to talk to guys about having the right energy coming into an opening second-round game, we’re not on the same page, right?”

Usually, Edwards is known for his high energy, but his performance has seen a decline this postseason, particularly with his three-point shooting. After achieving over 39% in the regular season, he has managed 17 for 53 in the playoffs, with a concerning 1 for 16 in the last two games.

Despite the loss, the Timberwolves still have a strong chance to progress to the Western Conference finals, as Curry is expected to be sidelined for at least a week due to a hamstring injury. However, the Warriors still boast seasoned players like Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. Finch is counting on Edwards and the young team to step up quickly.

The Timberwolves will have an opportunity to balance the series in their next home game on Thursday, with Game 2 set for 8:30 p.m. ET.

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