Anthony Edwards faces historic shooting slump as Timberwolves prepare for Suns clash
Basketball often dances to its own unpredictable rhythm, and right now, Anthony Edwards is feeling the sting of that volatility. Just weeks ago, the Timberwolves’ star guard was riding high, seemingly unable to miss from three-point range. Fast forward to today, and he finds himself entrenched in the most challenging shooting slump of his career.
Early Season Success
The season kicked off with promise for Edwards, who made a splash by draining 9 of his 19 three-point attempts in the Timberwolves’ initial games. However, a hamstring injury sidelined him for just over a week, interrupting his momentum. Upon returning, he quickly found his groove again, converting 20 of his next 39 three-point tries over a four-game stretch. This impressive run marked only the sixth time in his six-year career that he had hit at least 20 threes in a four-game span with a shooting efficiency exceeding 51 percent. With his overall three-point shooting hovering at 29 for 58 before last week’s matchup against the Kings, it seemed Edwards was poised to continue his dominance from beyond the arc.
The Sudden Slump
However, expectations took a sharp turn for the worse. In a startling reversal, Edwards’ shooting went cold. He posted a dismal 1 for 7 from three-point range against the Kings, followed by an even more troubling 0 for 8 performance against the Nuggets. The trend continued with 1 for 7 against the Mavericks and culminated in a 1 for 8 outing against the Wizards. In total, he managed just 3 successful shots out of 30 attempts, plummeting his season-long three-point percentage to 36.4. Notably, Edwards has made NBA history by becoming the first player to attempt at least 7 threes and convert no more than one in four consecutive games—a stark testament to the depth of his current slump.
A Unique Challenge
This cold streak is unprecedented for Edwards. The previous low point in his career for a four-game stretch occurred in spring 2024, where he went 5 for 31, but all five of those makes came in a single game after breaking out of a 1 for 23 stretch. The current slump, however, carries much higher stakes with its volume. Despite this troubling stretch, the Timberwolves have managed to stay afloat in the win column. Edwards took responsibility for the loss against the Nuggets, a game they could have clinched had he found his shooting touch. Fortunately for the team, the other three games during this slump resulted in victories against struggling opponents.
Impact Beyond the Arc
Even while his three-point shooting falters, Edwards has continued to contribute in significant ways. He has found success in driving to the basket and drawing fouls, which has allowed him to get to the free-throw line. Furthermore, his defensive efforts have remained sharp, as evidenced by his ability to rack up at least two steals in each of the last four outings.
Looking Ahead
As the Timberwolves gear up for their next challenge against the Suns on Friday—who have won 8 of their last 10—there is a pressing need for Edwards to rediscover his shooting prowess. The upcoming matchup promises to be a significant test compared to their recent opponents like the Jazz, Kings, Mavericks, and Wizards. Following the Suns, the Timberwolves will face the NBA-leading Thunder next Wednesday, making it even more essential for Edwards to break free from this slump.
For now, there’s little cause for alarm regarding Edwards’ shooting struggles. His track record speaks volumes, suggesting a resurgence is likely on the horizon. As the Timberwolves brace for their upcoming challenges, fans and teammates alike are hopeful that their star guard will soon find his rhythm once again.
