Anthony Edwards scored 38 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves held off the New York Knicks 115-104 on Tuesday at Target Center. After the game, Edwards discussed his approach to the team’s evolving offense, saying, “Playing off the ball… I really don’t have to pass because somebody else is passing me the ball. It’s not my responsibility to find people if I’m off the ball.”
Edwards praised Julius Randle’s fourth-quarter performance, calling him “the bully” and noting, “He played like that in the fourth quarter. We needed it and he came up big. He was not shooting the ball well early, but he overcame it.” When asked if he was trying to match Karl-Anthony Towns’ season-high 40 points, Edwards replied, “I definitely wasn’t trying to match him or nothing. I was happy to see him do his thing.”
Reflecting on facing his former teammate, Edwards said, “It still feels kind of weird, but that’s my brother, man. I love him. Wherever he at, I’m gonna salute and be on his side and cheer for him.” Edwards also addressed his defensive responsibility with Jalen Brunson out, noting, “Without Jaden, I’m probably the primary defender… all these teams got two, three dynamic guards, and I’ve got to be ready to guard them throughout the season.”
Edwards emphasized the value of Rudy Gobert’s defense and energy. “He’s been great for us. He’s been that defensive anchor… a lot of these games I feel like he’s not going to let us lose with his impact defensively and offensively,” Edwards said.
He highlighted the impact of team ball movement and playing alongside point guards Mike Conley and Bones Hyland. “When there is a Mike or Bones point guard, it’s just what I’m used to… playing off the ball is better for me,” Edwards explained. “All my shots feel like they’re going in once I’m touching it every time. When I’m off the ball, I never have to pass. I can just catch it and shoot.”
Edwards also reflected on the Timberwolves’ team chemistry. “We talk a lot more… we’re a lot closer than we were last year. We know how to talk to each other and hold each other accountable. We’re growing as a group,” he said.
Minnesota improved to 20-10, with Randle adding 25 points and Rudy Gobert posting 16 rebounds. The Timberwolves held off a late rally from Towns, who had 40 points and 13 rebounds for the Knicks, who fell to 20-9. Minnesota will visit Denver on Christmas night, while New York hosts Cleveland.
