Anthony Edwards did not meet expectations in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, scoring only 18 points. The Oklahoma City Thunder had a masterful defensive performance, which Edwards acknowledged after the game.
Since they were the #1 ranked defense in the 2024-25 regular season, the Thunder made sure to use their strengths to win Game 1. The Minnesota Timberwolves were prepared, but the defense overwhelmed them, scoring only 88 points compared to the Thunder's 114.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) dribbles against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) in the fourth quarter during game one of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Timberwolves tried their best to match their opponent's defensive intensity, as they held Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to only 11 points on 2-of-14 shooting from the field. However, he bounced back to score 20 additional points in the second half.
In contrast, Edwards failed to carry his team to victory. This was amplified by a woeful fourth-quarter performance when Edwards only had one shot attempt against the Thunder's pesky defense.
Edwards On What It Is Like Playing Against OKC's Defense
As the Timberwolves' star player, Edwards is the focus of the Thunder's defensive scheme. He felt the defensive intensity go up when he had the ball, which meant he was fairly limited when he tried to make an offensive impact.
It is always jarring to play against the Thunder because they have elite defenders in almost every position. Edwards addressed this after Game 1 because he knows what makes the Thunder hard to play against.
"It's hard to process because it was different. It was always different every time. Heavy in the gaps, sometimes traps the ball screens, sometimes don't," Edwards said about the Thunder's defense. "It's kinda similar to like AAU. They remind me of like an AAU defensive team, just run and jump, fly around."
With the pesky style of Cason Wallace and OKC's defense, it is not surprising that Minnesota struggled in Game 1. However, they will be prepared to break that defensive structure in Game 2.
Edwards Is Ready To Bounce Back In Game 2
After a disappointing Game 1, Edwards is ready to work hard and bounce back in Game 2. The Timberwolves need a win to equalize at 1-1, while also wrestling home-court advantage away from the Thunder.
That will be a challenging task because the Thunder's defense is strong enough to withstand Edwards' resurgence. If he can dominate Game 2, that bodes well for the Timberwolves because he will be the star player to lead them to victory.
Julius Randle had an excellent Game 1, scoring a team-high 28 points. They want him to keep playing like that, which will be even better when Edwards plays at a high level.
The Timberwolves are more aware of what they must do ahead of Game 2, which should be a good sign for the fans expecting good news from the team.