Anthony Edwards found a new level while leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals, but he and the team hit a wall in a Game 1 blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder
The Timberwolves went cold in the second half against the Thunder on Tuesday, being outscored 70-40 en route to a 114-88 loss. Edwards, who has averaged 26.5 points per game for the No. 6 seed on their surprise run, was held to just 18 points on 5-of-13 shooting in Game 1.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Edwards took blame for not taking on a bigger part of the offense -- whether the ball was in his hands or not.
“I definitely got to shoot more. I took 13 (expletive) shots, but I’ll say probably just get off the ball a little more,” Edwards said. “Play without the ball. I think that would be the answer, because playing on the ball, they’re just going to double and sit in the gaps all day. So I’ve got to go watch some film and take it apart and figure it out.”
Edwards added that the Timberwolves weren't ready for the way the Thunder focused on protecting the rim, saying they need to counter by hitting more outside shots in Game 2.
“They bank on us not making shots, I guess, because every time I go to the rim it’s like four people," he said. “So yeah, I guess they just be clogging the paint. They put like five, four bodies in the paint, make you kick it out. So keep making the right play.”