We recently highlighted how Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch had the courage to call out superstar Anthony Edwards. His loudest critics after Edwards’ disappointing showing in Game 1 of the NBA playoffs. Edwards scored an incredible 27.6 points per game in the regular season. When it mattered most, he faltered during the game, ending up with 23 points on a 9-for-23 shooting day, hitting only 1-of-5 shots from three-point range. Finch pointedly stated that he shouldn’t have to deal with Edwards’ attempts at this stage of the postseason. He continued, “If I’ve got to coach these guys before they’re coming into an opening round second round game, then we’re not on the same page.”
Edwards, 23, got off to a rough start, missing his first ten shots before eventually getting on the scoreboard. By halftime, he had produced just a single point on 0-for-8 shooting. Despite his struggles on offense, he recorded two steals in the first half, which he pointed to as evidence of his commitment to defense.
“I thought he struggled, and then you could just kind of see the light go out a little bit for a while,” Finch remarked regarding Edwards’ performance. The coach stressed the importance of setting the tone for the team, insisting that as the leader, Edwards needed to maintain high energy levels regardless of his shooting success. You’ve got to come out and set the dictates of what you want. If your shot ain’t dropping, you still got to bring the juice,” Finch said.
Responding to criticism from Finch, Edwards agreed that he could do better, but fired back in defense of his record. “But tonight is done,” he said, adding that good teams get their rest tonight and bounce back. He continued, “People are going to try to blame whatever, blame whoever; they can blame me. Edwards’ willingness to be held accountable is a testament to his leadership, even in a difficult situation.
Rudy Gobert, a key addition this offseason, said it all after the T-Wolves poor performance. He insinuated that they were ill-equipped mentally for the rigors and level of intensity required in playoff basketball. “Perhaps we had to prepare ourselves for a more high-octane game,” Gobert said.
Minnesota’s already preparing to host the next game in the series. Finch’s substitutive challenge to Edwards underscores the heavy expectations foisted upon the bright young star. Edwards was fourth in the league in scoring average during the regular season. Now, he’s positioned to take another leap and carry the Timberwolves as they pursue making pond playoff noise.
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