Anthony Edwards did not hold back after the Minnesota Timberwolves’ lopsided 114-88 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on Tuesday night.
The star guard pointed to the Thunder’s disruptive defensive schemes as a key factor behind Minnesota’s offensive struggles, particularly the drastic drop in paint scoring.
“They clog the paint. That’s what they do,” Edwards said during his postgame availability. “Every time I go to the rim, it’s like four people in the paint. They put like five, four bodies in the paint, make you kick it out.”
Minnesota, which scored 72 points in the paint during Game 5 of the West Semifinals against Golden State, managed just 20 against Oklahoma City.
Edwards, who was held to 18 points on 5-of-13 shooting, acknowledged that the Thunder’s defensive rotations forced him to rethink his approach.
“Playing on the ball, they’re just going to double and sit in the gaps all day,” he said. “I definitely got to shoot more. I only took 13 shots. I’ll probably just get off the ball a little more, play without the ball.”
The Timberwolves led by four at halftime but were outscored 70-40 in the second half, including a 32-18 third quarter where the momentum shifted decisively.
Julius Randle, who had 20 points in the first half, was limited to just eight after the break. He said the Thunder’s defense remained consistent but increased pressure on the perimeter.
“They just tried to get me off the three-point line, off my catch-and-shoots,” Randle explained. “It wasn’t really anything different defensively. They’re heavy gaps, boxes and elbows.”
The Timberwolves struggled to adjust. Minnesota shot just 34.9 percent from the field and went 15-of-51 from deep, with several missed opportunities from Donte DiVincenzo, Naz Reid, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Despite the shooting woes, Edwards emphasized confidence in his teammates’ shot selection.
“They got great looks, just couldn’t make them,” he said. “A lot of them went in and out. That’s going to help me and J [Randle], ’cause they usually make those shots.”
When asked whether the Thunder’s unpredictable coverage made the game harder to process, Edwards agreed.
“It was different every time,” he said. “Sometimes trap the ball screen, sometimes don’t. Sometimes just run and jump. It’s kind of similar to like an AAU defensive team.”
Jaden McDaniels’ early foul trouble also impacted Minnesota’s game plan. Edwards described his absence as significant on both ends.
“He’s the best defender we got,” he said. “When he’s not on the floor, it definitely hurts for sure.”
Despite the poor performance, Edwards remained optimistic about adjustments for Game 2.
“Next game I feel great,” he said. “Play without the ball a little more, get a little more cardio in. Should be good.”
Game 2 is set for Thursday night in Oklahoma City, with the Thunder holding a 1-0 series lead.
