The Minnesota Timberwolves and superstar guard Anthony Edwards were unable to pull off a Game 1 win on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. When all was said and done, the Timberwolves came up short by a final score of 114-88.
It wasn't a great start, but Minnesota is far from out of it. Edwards and company will have a chance to bounce back and even the series on Thursday night.
Edwards struggled in the Game 1 loss. He scored just 18 points on 5-for-13 shooting. In addition, he chipped in nine rebounds and three assists.
To defeat the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, the Timberwolves will need more out of Edwards. He usually doesn't string together bad performances, which gives reason for optimism in Minnesota.
During a segment on "First Take," former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins did not hold back about Edwards. He stated that he thinks the Timberwolves' superstar will soon be the face of the league. Edwards would take over that title from LeBron James and Stephen Curry should he accomplish that feat.
"I feel like Anthony Edwards is a championship away, Finals MVP away, from us saying he's the face of the league," Perkins said.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5).
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5).
David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Throughout the course of the 2024-25 regular season, Edwards averaged 27.6 points per game to go along with 5.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals. He shot 44.7% from the floor and 39.5% from 3-point range.
So far in the playoffs, Edwards has played in 11 games. He has poured in 25.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.4 steals, while shooting 44.2% and 38.4% from beyond the 3-point arc.
Perkins is asking for a lot from Edwards, but the 23-year-old superstar is capable of reaching that level of success.
Game 2 between Minnesota and the Thunder is scheduled to tip off at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday night. The Timberwolves will be hoping to see a big-time performance from Edwards.