Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards Dismisses Ankle Injury After Western Conference Finals Game 1 Loss

Anthony Edwards, the Minnesota Timberwolves' star, briefly exited Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to an ankle injury but insisted it did not affect his performance, finishing with 18 points on 5-for-13 shooting in a 114-88 loss. Edwards acknowledged he needs to be more aggressive and take more shots in future games, expressing his determination to improve after his quiet second half. Despite this setback, Edwards has been a standout throughout the playoffs, leading Minnesota with 26.5 points per game and drawing comparisons to Michael Jordan for his mentality and athleticism. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault praised Edwards’ growth and experience at just 23, recognizing him as the primary threat to OKC while also noting his positive impact on his teammates. Off the court, Edwards remains motivated by the memory of his late mother and grandmother, a personal mantra he shared again before the series, fueling his resolve to lead the Timberwolves to their first NBA Finals appearance. As Game 2 approaches, expectations remain high for Edwards to rise to the occasion and solidify his status as one of the league's emerging superstars.