The Minnesota Timberwolves failed to even the series against the Oklahoma City Thunder and are now in a 3-1 series deficit in the Western Conference Finals.
Although Minnesota lost by just two points with a score of 128-126, the Thunder took the lead in the first quarter of the game and never let go of it, maintaining control throughout.
Some disappointing performances from the leaders of the Timberwolves led to them dropping the game in Minneapolis, and it drew some controversy in the NBA community.
Julius Randle went scoreless in the second half of the game, finishing with five points, and Anthony Edwards scored a series-low 16 points.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) shakes hands with forward Julius Randle (30).
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) shakes hands with forward Julius Randle (30).
Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
When asked about the problem in a postgame interview, Edwards disagreed with interviewers that said he "struggled" in the game.
"I don't look at it like I struggled... I made the right play all night... I didn't get enough shots to say I struggled... I didn't struggle at all," he said.
It was a heated debate throughout the days leading up to Game 5, and fans seemed to have disagreed with the Timberwolves star.
"Thunder took him out of the game, wasn't in rhythm to close late in the fourth," one fan said.
"Shot 5-13 from the field and 1-7 from three. Five turnovers. Disagree," Another fan posted.
Fans seemed to disagree, but Timberwolves teammate Rudy Gobert was able to speak his opinion on the matter before Game 5 on Wednesday.
"I thought he was great... A lot of people think basketball is about scoring 30 every night, it's not true. It's about winning, it's about making the right play," Gobert told the press.
Even with role players Donte DiVincenzo (21 points) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (23 points) stepping up, Minnesota wasn't able to come out with the win.
Game 5 takes place on Wednesday night as the Timberwolves will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in a must-win scenario.