Anthony Edwards sparked concern among Minnesota Timberwolves fans after they noticed that he was missing from the team’s starting lineup for Monday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks.
This game marked Edwards’ return from a six-game absence, as he recovered from a knee injury. So, his absence from the starting lineup led fans to fear the worst. Fortunately, there was a much simpler explanation for Edwards’ absence as he explained to reporters after the game.
“I was taking a s***,” Edwards said.
“Nature calls, I guess,” head coach Chris Finch said after the game.
This is not the first time that Edwards has been missing from the Timberwolves starting lineup despite being announced as a starter. In March 2024, he checked into a game after 35 seconds, replacing Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Edwards is averaging a career-high 29.5 points per game this season, shooting 49.2% and 40.2% from 3-point range, also career-highs. His impact on both ends of the floor has been invaluable for Minnesota.
After Monday’s win, the Timberwolves are fifth in the Western Conference with a 46-29 record. They are 6-4 in their last 10 and will return to the court on Thursday to face the Detroit Pistons.
Chris Finch praises Anthony Edwards’ performance in win against Mavericks
Edwards looked solid in his return, finishing Monday’s game with 17 points, two rebounds and four assists, shooting 7-for-13, including 2-for-3 from 3-point range. He also recorded a +/- of +29 in 23 minutes. The Timberwolves won 124-94.
Speaking after the game, Chris Finch had high praise for his star player, citing his effort on both ends of the floor.
“Ant was awesome,” Finch said. “His defense was outstanding. Just let the game come to him, stayed aggressive, made quicker decisions. I thought he was really good. And things looked kind of easy for him, as a result.”
Edwards seemed to be on a minutes restriction in his return from injury as the Timberwolves look to prioritize his health ahead of the playoffs.
Finch told the media that the team would be observing how Anthony Edwards reacted to tonight’s minutes before deciding his role for the next game.
Read More: Anthony Edwards Spares $14.3M Mavericks Center From Embarrassment
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