The Minnesota Timberwolves are one loss away from elimination—and Anthony Edwards is catching heat from one of the loudest voices in sports media.
Following the Wolves’ 128–126 loss to the Thunder in Game 4, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith didn’t mince words. He took direct aim at Edwards on "First Take" for what he called a lack of urgency in a must-win moment.
“Are you the superstar player you claim to be or not?” Smith said. “You find yourself in that precarious of circumstances if you lose this game… one would think you would embrace the level of aggression in order to do all that you can do so that your team does not lose.”
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) attempts to shoot the ball on Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) in the second half during game four of the Western Conference Finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) attempts to shoot the ball on Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22)
Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Smith didn’t stop there. He drew a sharp contrast between Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who responded to a Game 3 blowout by dropping 40 points in hostile territory.
“Shai went out on your home court and posted 40,” Smith continued. “And your response is, ‘Well, I didn’t struggle, I made the right play’? That’s inexcusable.”
Edwards’ postgame comments are what fueled the fire. After being held to 16 points on 5-of-13 shooting, the Wolves star defended his outing, saying: “I didn’t struggle. I made the right play all night… I didn’t get enough shots to say I struggled.”
It was a bold take after a night where he shot 1-for-7 from deep, committed five turnovers, and managed just four rebounds. And for a player known for his explosiveness, the lack of assertiveness didn’t sit well with critics—especially with the season on the line.
Edwards had rebounded from a slow start to the series with 32 and 30-point games in Games 2 and 3. But his Game 4 performance marked his lowest scoring output of the series—and second-lowest of the entire postseason.
Now down 3–1 in the Western Conference Finals, Minnesota needs a miracle. And Edwards, whether he accepts it or not, will need to be the one to lead it.