Anthony Edwards’ dedication to the sport is second to none. It became even more evident during the Minnesota Timberwolves conference semifinals against the San Antonio Spurs. In Round 1, Edwards suffered a knee hyperextension, while Donte DiVincenzo suffered a season-ending ankle sprain. However, he refused to rest on the bench and got back on the floor after just a week.
Fans were surprised to see his recovery timeline. Moreover, the Timberwolves would have no chance against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs without Edwards. After the team was ousted in six games in Round 2, Ant-Man openly expressed his struggles with his injury and how he managed to overcome pain for a potential title run. As per Jon Krawczynski:
“He told teammates he really believed that if he could get back on the court after his injuries, the Wolves could win a title. He pushed his body to the edge to try to make it happen.”
Edwards believed in the Wolves’ chances for a title; however, it seems they still have to plug some loopholes this offseason. The squad fell short before the towering defense of Wemby, even with the 4-time DPOY Rudy Gobert in the paint. Meanwhile, Ant has caught flak in the NBA world for his gesture of dapping up the opponents with eight minutes remaining in regulation.
Former Miami legend berates Anthony Edwards’ controversial actions
Anthony Edwards’ decision to go up to the Spurs’ bench and dap up the opponents when head coach Chris Finch decided to bring the rookie squad on the floor. The Timberwolves were trailing by more than 30 points at the point and had eight minutes of play to go. Several fans and analysts questioned Ant’s action.
Former NBA player-turned-analyst Udonis Haslem said:
“Playoffs has a way of revealing whats inside you, and I din’t like what I saw from somebody like the Minnesota Timberwolves… As great as Ant is as a basketball player, there’s still some growth for him as well. Because as a leader, I would not have walked down there and shook their hands. I would not have walked down there and shook their hands with 8 minutes left in the game.”
The Wolves front office will now look to surround their franchise face, Anthony Edwards, with more suitable pieces. The Spurs, on the other hand, will get ready to face the defending champions, who have not dropped a single game thus far in the postseason.
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