Anthony Edwards takes responsibility after disappointing shooting night in Timberwolves’ loss to Nuggets
Anthony Edwards was frank in his assessment of the Timberwolves’ fourth quarter during their 123-112 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night at Target Center. “They scored the ball, we didn’t,” he stated plainly. The reality of the game was laid bare; the Nuggets seized control when it mattered most, and Edwards felt the weight of the defeat squarely on his shoulders.
Despite being recognized as one of the NBA’s elite scorers, Edwards struggled mightily, finishing with 26 points but hitting only 8 of 23 attempts from the field. His shooting woes were particularly pronounced from beyond the arc, where he went 0 for 8. While he did manage to contribute with 8 rebounds and 6 assists, the absence of perimeter success was glaring for the young star.
A Night of Missed Opportunities
Edwards’ performance highlighted a frustrating night for the Timberwolves. He acknowledged his shortcomings without hesitation, stating, “I don’t know… (It was) nothing they did. I just gotta make my shots. It’s just that simple. I just missed a bunch of shots. Go to the gym tomorrow, hopefully make ’em.” His honesty revealed the internal pressure he places on himself to perform, especially when his team is counting on him in critical moments.
The Timberwolves found themselves in a tightly contested matchup, trailing by just one point at the end of the third quarter. However, the inability to convert key shots in the final period ultimately sealed their fate. Julius Randle also contributed 26 points along with 6 rebounds and 8 assists, while Jaden McDaniels added 15 points. A shining light for Minnesota was Naz Reid, who delivered a standout performance with 19 points and 6 rebounds, including four three-pointers. Edwards expressed his admiration for Reid’s effort, saying, “Hell yeah… That’s why I’m pissed. He had a big game tonight and we couldn’t pull it out for him. I blame myself for this one.”
Denver’s Balanced Attack
On the other side of the court, Nikola Jokić showcased why he is regarded as one of the league’s top players, racking up 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. The Nuggets also received significant contributions from Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and newcomer Tim Hardaway Jr., each chipping in 23 points to bolster their scoring efforts. This balanced offensive display, combined with the Timberwolves’ struggles from the perimeter, proved to be a decisive factor.
Rudy Gobert’s quiet night, scoring just four points, further emphasized the struggle for the Timberwolves. Outside of Reid, no other player found consistent success from three-point range, compounding the team’s offensive difficulties. Fans and analysts alike may debate head coach Chris Finch’s decision to limit rookie Rob Dillingham to just seven minutes, despite his promising play.
Looking Ahead
As Edwards reflected on the game, he reiterated a mantra that resonates deeply with athletes: “If I make my shots, we win the game.” His urgency to improve is palpable, especially after going 1 for 15 from three-point range across the last two contests. This shooting slump comes on the heels of a hot start to the season, where he converted 50 percent of his first 58 attempts from deep.
The Timberwolves, now sitting at 8-5, have shown resilience against teams with losing records, boasting an undefeated record against them. However, their struggles against winning teams, with an 0-5 record in those matchups, expose a critical area for improvement. Their upcoming games against the Dallas Mavericks and the Washington Wizards present an opportunity for redemption before facing a tougher challenge against the 8-5 Phoenix Suns later in the week.
With the pressure mounting, Edwards and the Timberwolves will be eager to regroup and restore their confidence on the court.
