The Minnesota Timberwolves’ aspirations for their first NBA Finals appearance faced a significant hurdle in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Star guard Anthony Edwards suffered an apparent right ankle injury late in the first quarter, casting a shadow over the team’s performance.
Edwards appeared to roll his ankle after drawing a foul on Thunder guard Alex Caruso. He limped to the free-throw line and subsequently headed to the locker room for evaluation. Fortunately for Minnesota, Edwards returned to the court midway through the second quarter after receiving treatment.
Despite his return, Edwards’ performance was noticeably affected. He concluded the game with 18 points on 5-of-13 shooting, including 3-of-8 from beyond the arc, along with nine rebounds, three assists, and one block in 37 minutes. However, he was held scoreless in the fourth quarter, and his usual explosiveness seemed diminished.
The Timberwolves struggled collectively, succumbing to a 114-88 defeat. After leading 48-44 at halftime, Minnesota was outscored 70-40 in the second half. Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spearheaded the Thunder’s surge with 31 points and nine assists, while Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren contributed 19 and 15 points, respectively.
Postgame, Edwards downplayed concerns about his ankle, stating succinctly, “I’m good.” However, his limited impact in the latter stages of the game raises questions about his readiness for Game 2.
The Timberwolves will need a swift turnaround as they prepare for Game 2, scheduled for Thursday in Oklahoma City. With the series now 1-0 in favor of the Thunder, Minnesota’s response will be crucial in determining their path forward in the postseason.
