Anthony Edwards Injured in Timberwolves’ Game 1 Loss to Thunder
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ star player, Anthony Edwards, suffered an injury scare in the first quarter of Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. According to a report from USA Today, Edwards turned his right ankle while driving through the lane and landing on his foot, tweaking it.
The incident occurred with less than a minute to play in the first quarter, and Edwards immediately grabbed at his ankle, appearing to be in some discomfort. He was fouled on the play and made one of his two free throw attempts after the injury. Following the quarter, Edwards went into the locker room, where he remained at the start of the second quarter.
Despite the injury, Edwards returned to the floor and played the rest of the game, never appearing to be affected by the injury. However, he struggled to find his shot, finishing with just 18 points in the 114-88 Minnesota loss. Edwards played a team-high 36:34, going 5-of-13 from the field, including a 3-for-8 night from beyond the arc. He added nine rebounds and three assists in the loss.
When asked post-game if his ankle affected his shooting, Edwards was quick to say it did not. "No, it didn’t affect my shooting," Edwards said, as reported by USA Today.
Edwards had been having a strong season, averaging 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. Prior to the injury, he had scored seven points on 2-of-3 shooting and added three rebounds. The Timberwolves will look to bounce back in Game 2, scheduled for Thursday night at 8:30 p.m. ET.
The injury to Edwards could be a significant concern for the Timberwolves, who are looking to make a deep run in the playoffs. As noted by USA Today, Edwards’ versatility and scoring ability are crucial to the team’s success.
In related news, the Western Conference finals are expected to be a closely contested series, with both teams looking to advance to the NBA Finals. The Timberwolves will need to keep a close eye on Edwards’ injury and ensure that he is able to play at full strength in Game 2.
The USA Today report also noted that Edwards’ injury could have an impact on the team’s overall performance. "The Timberwolves will need Edwards to be at his best if they hope to overcome the Thunder and advance to the NBA Finals," the report stated.
Overall, the injury to Anthony Edwards is a significant concern for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the team will need to monitor his condition closely in the coming days. As reported by USA Today, Edwards’ health will be crucial to the team’s success in the Western Conference finals.