Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards' Poor Game 4 Draws Savage Jun 12, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; NBA TV analyst Charles Barkley talks on set before game three of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards’ Poor Game 4 Draws Savage 'Face of the NBA' Take From Charles Barkley

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated May 28, 2025 8:26 AM ET

Former league MVP Charles Barkley believes Anthony Edwards is not yet fit to be proclaimed the face of the NBA, especially after the Minnesota Timberwolves went down 3-1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday.

Barkley said during the pregame show for the New York Knicks-Indiana Pacers Game 4 that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should be named as such since he is “taking it” by force this postseason.

“Hey, ESPN, I love you guys. Don’t try to make Anthony Edwards the face of the NBA. The face of the NBA is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Joker (Nikola Jokic), and Giannis. You can’t give it to people, they have to take it, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is taking it,” Barkley stated.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards' Poor Game 4 Draws Savage May 26, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) makes a pass against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) in the second half during game four of the Western Conference Finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Edwards is fresh from a lackluster performance in Game 4, as he only had 16 points, four rebounds, and six assists on 5-for-13 shooting from the field in the 128-126 defeat . The Minnesota Timberwolves need more from him if they plan to stay alive in the Western Conference Finals.

Minnesota Timberwolves send defiant message ahead of Game 5

The Minnesota Timberwolves are one loss away from elimination, but they’re not ready to see their season end just yet. During the Game 4 postgame presser, Donte DiVincenzo and Nickeil Alexander-Walker detailed the team’s mindset heading into Wednesday.

Minnesota Timberwolves Vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction, Odds, Moneyline 12/25/2024 | 2024-25 NFL Season 1 Oct 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) dribbles against the Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) in the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

“There’s no other mindset to have,” Donte DiVincenzo said via ClutchPoints’ Maya Aflakpi. “You don’t win, you go home. We’re trying to get another home game.”

“Every time we’ve had a coming to terms talk within each other, we’ve always responded well,” Alexander-Walker added. “We have a resilient group and I trust in that group.”