Anthony Edwards ignites Timberwolves turmoil with dramatic exit
Anthony Edwards’ frustration boiled over in a stunning display during the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 109-80 rout at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks on New Year’s Eve. With just under eight minutes remaining, Edwards hurled a towel in anger and stormed off the bench, a decision that has only intensified scrutiny on the team as 2026 begins.
Head Coach’s Perspective
In the aftermath of the game, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch expressed his disappointment, stating, “We just looked slow everywhere. They were beating us to every ball, beating us all over the floor.” This lack of urgency was a familiar theme, echoing a lackluster loss to the Brooklyn Nets just days before. While the Wolves managed a bounce-back win against the Chicago Bulls, the latest performance raised serious questions about the team’s consistency and commitment.
As the scoreboard reflected a daunting 29-point deficit with 7:52 left in the fourth quarter, Edwards’ exit was more than just a personal statement; it was a signal of the internal chaos brewing within the Timberwolves’ locker room. At that moment, he had already accounted for 30 of Minnesota’s 80 points, highlighting both his individual effort and the broader team’s struggles.
Team Dynamics Under Scrutiny
Edwards’ actions were not taken lightly by teammates. Donte DiVincenzo, while not casting blame, acknowledged the team’s failure to compete at a necessary level. “We just gotta do it. There’s only so much you can talk about,” he noted. “How many meetings, how many film sessions, how many times does Finchy have to talk to us? It’s frustrating because in Chicago you play well, you respond, and then you come in here and lay an egg.”
DiVincenzo emphasized the importance of respect—not only for their opponents but for the game itself. “You gotta come out and play hard and compete for one another, and we’re just not doing that on a nightly basis,” he lamented. His sentiments were echoed by Rudy Gobert, who described the team as “lifeless,” lacking the urgency and resilience necessary for a championship contender.
“Offensively, it just seems like we’re playing an individual sport,” Gobert observed. “Defensively, it just feels like there’s not any extra effort.” He articulated a troubling truth: the team’s cohesion appears fragile, with no clear answers on how to rectify the situation. “I don’t know. I think we have an amazing opportunity. But, yeah… something has to happen,” he admitted.
Coaching Challenges Ahead
As the coaching staff contemplates solutions, DiVincenzo pointed out a crucial truth: “They can’t control how hard you play.” Finch, however, maintained a measured stance, suggesting that such stretches are part of any season. “We’ve been through stretches like this. Every team goes through it. They’ll hang together,” he remarked, seemingly unfazed by the turmoil.
Yet, as Edwards’ early departure and the questioning of effort from veterans like DiVincenzo and Gobert loom large, it is clear that beneath the surface, tensions are rising. The Timberwolves will have a chance to regroup and respond when they face the Miami Heat at 4 p.m. CT on Saturday, but the path to recovery requires more than just talent; it demands a collective commitment to compete.
