'I Didn’t Struggle at All': Anthony Edwards Pushes Back on Game 4 Criticism After Thunder Loss

Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch echoed Edwards’ assessment, pointing to Oklahoma City’s physicality and discipline off the ball. He said the Thunder focused on keeping Edwards from catching the ball in advantageous areas and forced him to operate under constant pressure.

“Off ball they were super-handsy,” Finch said. “Their off-ball defense was largely focused on Ant, trying to jam him up and keep him from being able to get the ball in clean space.”

Finch noted that Edwards’ early inactivity allowed the defense to load up.

“In the first half, he lagged behind a little bit too much,” Finch said. “He needs to get out in front so we can stretch the floor and screen for him a bit. But the second half was much better.”

While Edwards recorded six assists and helped facilitate offensive opportunities, Finch also expressed frustration with how the game was officiated.

“It’s also quite interesting that, throughout this series, I can’t recall a single off-ball foul being called after four games, which is rather unusual,” Finch said. “This underscores the effectiveness of their off-ball defense.”

Timberwolves’ Supporting Cast Produces, But Turnovers Prove Costly

Even without typical scoring production from Edwards and Randle, who finished with just five points on 1-of-7 shooting, the Timberwolves nearly pulled off the win. The team shot 51.2% from the floor and 43.9% from beyond the arc, including key contributions from role players.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the bench with 23 points on 9-of-15 shooting. Donte DiVincenzo poured in 21 points, and Jaden McDaniels added 22. Minnesota also won the free-throw battle, shooting 28 attempts to OKC’s 21.

But 21 turnovers, including 10 combined from Edwards and Randle, derailed Minnesota’s chances. Several of those miscues occurred during key second-half stretches, stalling the Timberwolves’ offensive rhythm.

Meanwhile, the Thunder got dominant performances from their stars. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 40 points on 13-of-30 shooting, going 12-of-14 from the line. Jalen Williams added 34 points, and Chet Holmgren scored 21 on 9-of-14 shooting.

“They outplayed us, outrebounded us, got more of the 50-50 balls,” Edwards said. “Wanted it a little bit more.”

With the series now 3-1 in favor of Oklahoma City, Minnesota faces elimination in Game 5 on Wednesday night at Paycom Center. The Thunder are one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012.