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Anthony Edwards Gets Honest Take From Timberwolves Star Amid Thunder Series
Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

For the second straight season, the Minnesota Timberwolves have defied the expectations and doubts of many by reaching the Western Conference finals.

Last year, they fell in that round in five games to the Dallas Mavericks. This time around, after dropping the first two contests to the Oklahoma City Thunder, they blasted through in resounding fashion with a 143-101 rout in Game 3 on Saturday.

Anthony Edwards led the way with 30 points on 12-of-17 shooting. But big man Naz Reid also helped out off the bench with 10 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one blocked shot in 19 minutes.

He shot a combined 4-of-19 from the field and 0-of-12 from 3-point range in the first two games of the series, but he said he didn't get down on himself thanks to some help from Edwards.

"I never beat myself up," Reid said. "... Especially being around Ant, you never really get down on yourself. Games come and go. [A] great night will come, next day you may have a bad night. Just gotta try to find a way to be consistent."

The Timberwolves aren't really an offensive juggernaut. While they ranked eighth in offensive rating during the regular season, they were only 13th in scoring and 25th in pace.

Sometimes, they almost resemble a one-man team, but Reid is one of a few players, including Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels, who can get hot for them and make them look like they can compete with anyone, including the 68-win Thunder.

On Saturday, Randle bounced back from a 2-of-11 performance in Game 2 to post 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the field. Overall, Minnesota had seven players who scored in double figures, including little-used Leonard Miller and Terrence Shannon Jr.

Another win in Game 4 would drastically change the complexion of the West finals and give the seemingly mighty Thunder plenty to think about.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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