Few gamers within the NBA can shut down Anthony Edwards.
Sadly for Edwards, he’s one in all them.
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ All-Star guard confirmed as soon as once more this week that he may be his personal worst enemy. Edwards drew his 18th technical foul of the season throughout the first half of Friday’s 117–91 win over the Brooklyn Nets, triggering an computerized one-game suspension from the league.
Meaning — until the NBA rescinds the technical — Edwards will likely be pressured to take a seat and watch Sunday’s regular-season finale when Minnesota faces the Utah Jazz.
It’s not simply any regular-season recreation, both. It might be a must-win if the Timberwolves wish to lock in a top-six end within the Western Convention and keep away from the danger of a play-in recreation.
Edwards admitted to reporters after the sport that he used profanity whereas arguing a name with NBA official Ray Acosta. He had proven frustration at a few calls within the first quarter, and issues boiled over halfway by means of the second.
“I’m praying they rescind it,” Edwards mentioned. “I don’t really feel prefer it ought to’ve been a tech, however me and Ray have an excellent relationship. We talked it out after the actual fact. However I don’t assume I deserved a tech for simply that little gesture.”
Predictably, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch sided together with his star.
“I assumed that was an unlucky whistle,” Finch mentioned. “I don’t know the specifics that had been mentioned (between Edwards and the official). I don’t assume it was something overly offensive — definitely didn’t assume it warranted a technical.”
Now, Edwards and the Timberwolves really feel a bit like a driver who’s been pulled over for rushing and is hoping the decide lets them off. Sure, possibly they had been going too quick — however not that quick.
Possibly Edwards and Finch have a degree. Possibly it was a troublesome name, and possibly Acosta pulled the set off on the tech faster than regular. Possibly it doesn’t occur 9 occasions out of 10.
However right here’s the issue: Edwards knew he was sitting on 17 technical fouls. He knew yet another would lead to a suspension.
He additionally knew the Timberwolves had been locked in a playoff race in a crowded Western Convention. He knew the common season was right down to a photograph end, and he knew Minnesota had only one recreation left to enhance its place.
None of that was a secret.
And nonetheless, Edwards put himself able to get T’d up — doubtlessly leaving his group short-handed in its most necessary recreation of the season.
Sure, the NBA may rescind the technical. However Edwards may have prevented all of this by managing his feelings and staying targeted on the larger image.
It helps that Minnesota’s last opponent is Utah — a group in full tank mode, chasing the No. 1 choose within the NBA Draft. The Jazz have misplaced 10 of their final 11 video games, and the skid may repay in the event that they land Duke ahead Cooper Flagg as the following face of the franchise.
However loopy issues occur within the NBA on a regular basis. Considered one of Utah’s 17 wins this season got here in opposition to the Timberwolves — a 117–116 victory on Feb. 28.
And you understand who wasn’t accessible for that recreation?
You guessed it. Edwards.
