43 games into the regular season, Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves were the first seed in the Western Conference at 30-13. With the amount of talent on the roster, it was not surprising to see Minnesota dominate. But given their youth, it’s a sudden reminder of the franchise’s notorious struggles in the recent past.
Anthony Edwards Shining Leadership at 22
Outside of Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert — who have been on top-seeded teams in the past — winning at this rate is entirely new for the rest of the roster. For Minnesota’s best player Anthony Edwards, his first three NBA seasons were void of a high number in the win column. Suddenly, his task on hand — at age 22 — is to step up as the leader with his minimal experience. Something he’s handled masterfully thus far.
“It was tough, man because I couldn’t find myself, my rhythm tonight,” Edwards said following Minnesota’s Game 7 win. “I just had to trust my teammates. They kept track of me, so I just had to make the right play the rest of the game. I did that and my teammates made shots. Big shout out to those guys.”
Throughout the postseason, Edwards has made a conscious effort to shine the light on his teammates, particularly his wing-mate Jaden McDaniels. When asked which player deserved the game ball after last night’s win, Edwards replied, “Jaden McDaniels, no question.”
Minnesota’s Winning Formula Continues
The Timberwolves have been at the top of the Western Conference standings all season, thanks to a dominating defensive mindset and the combined star power of Karl Anthony-Towns, Gobert, and Edwards. They also have the distinction, with their ability to use a huge lineup, of being one of the few teams that has been a thorn in the side of the defending champion Denver Nuggets.
Before 2024, the last time the franchise had advanced past the first round was in 2004. They were led by an MVP Kevin Garnett and eventually made a conference final run. Ironically the Timberwolves won Game 7 yesterday on Garnett’s birthday. Notably in 2004, LeBron James won Rookie of The Year and Edwards was just 3 years old. Now, Minnesota sees a staunch leader on and off the court in No. 5. Edwards’ cheery and youthful spirit has been a driving force in keeping the team united through the adversity they faced against Denver.
A Bold Leader
Edwards’ brave leadership is in part and parcel of Minnesota’s mental fortitude. Even after losing three straight games in the Semifinals — two at home — Minnesota wasn’t rattled. Instead, Edwards reportedly told an arena worker “See you in Game 7” as he exited the facility following a Game 5 loss. After winning Game 6, Edwards credited the return of Conley as one of the biggest reasons his team forced a Game 7 back in Denver.
As he sat there postgame ready to take questions from the media, Edwards laughed off his off-shooting night in good spirits. It prompted Towns to chime in and enjoy some laughter with Edwards. Despite the two stars having off nights from the 3-point line, Edwards’ leadership has Minnesota entering the next round feeling good about their chances.
