Anthony Edwards returned from a three-game absence to score 26 points and grab 12 rebounds, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 38.5 seconds left, lifting the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 112-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder at Target Center on Friday night.
Edwards reflected on his confidence in the final shot. “When it left my hand, I knew it was going in. It was a tough shot, but I probably shoot that shot 1,000 times in a week when I’m in a gym, so it felt like a natural shot,” he said. He also credited Rudy Gobert for creating the opportunity, noting, “He had seven offensive rebounds tonight. When he plays like that, I don’t think anybody can beat us.”
The star guard emphasized his focus on effort and rebounding. “It was intentional. Just on the defensive end, not letting my man get the rebound, and once I see my man I crash and try to jump everybody and grab it,” Edwards said. “Our defensive rebound is not as good as it should be, so I definitely own a little bit of that.”
Edwards highlighted the support of teammates Mike Conley and Joe Ingles. “They played a whole lot of basketball and have seen everything. They helped me read and make adjustments on the fly,” he said.
On the intensity leading up to the game, Edwards noted the team’s preparation. “Micah told us we had an intense film session the day before. It was the first time I wasn’t on the film, so I was relaxed and chilling,” he said. “But it was good for us.”
He also addressed the team’s trust in passing and ball movement. “We’re going to get trapped, so I have to trust my teammates to make the right play. He [Gobert] has gotten a lot better, and I keep trusting him when he makes plays,” Edwards said.
Finch’s early ejection was a point of discussion, and Edwards saw it as a motivating factor. “Yeah, I think it had something to do with how the game was called. We shot 47 free throws tonight. It helped with all the stoppages,” he said.
Edwards maintained perspective despite the victory. “It’s one win, man. It’s a regular season win. They’re the best team in the league by far with only three losses. We’ve got to keep doing it,” he said.
Minnesota improved to 18-10 and will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, while Oklahoma City dropped to 25-3 and returns home to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday.
