Skip Bayless Criticizes Spurs Coach's Actions Towards Anthony Edwards

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated May 11, 2026 8:56 PM ET

Skip Bayless believes San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson is way too chummy with Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards.

Edwards' brilliance allowed the Wolves to tie the 2026 Western Conference semifinals at 2-2 in Game 4 on Sunday. The 24-year-old erupted for 36 points on 13-of-22 shooting, six rebounds, two assists and 40 minutes in a 114-109 win at Target Center.

The Spurs were handicapped after losing Victor Wembanyama to a Flagrant 2 ejection in the second quarter for elbowing Naz Reid. San Antonio still fought valiantly.

De'Aaron Fox and rookie Dylan Harper each scored 24 points to keep it interesting.

However, Bayless lambasted Johnson for potentially hyping Edwards by indulging him on the court.

"Mitch Johnson needs to quit letting Ant Man dap him up after making big shots. Just leave him hanging. Don't fuel his fire," the outspoken sports personality wrote on X.

Mitch Johnson needs to quit letting Ant Man dap him up after making big shots. Just leave him hanging. Don't fuel his fire.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) May 11, 2026

Edwards was in the zone all game. He scored 16 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter alone.

Game 4 marked his 18th career playoff game with 30-plus points. The performance pushed him past Dwyane Wade for the fourth-most such games before turning 25 in NBA history.

The four-time All-Star is having his way this series, averaging 24.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game in four games.

Anthony Edwards hit a three to give the Timberwolves the lead and tapped Mitch Johnson on the chest pic.twitter.com/eO8HiXKK8S
— TheOneTrueKing (@CharlesBye69) May 11, 2026

Johnson has had a hard time finding a defensive scheme to contain Edwards. Somehow, Edwards also earned the opposing coach's respect. For an old-school voice like Bayless, that crosses a line. The spirit of competition, in his view, does not include dapping up the other team's best player.

Johnson has bigger concerns than Bayless' criticism, though. The Spurs are awaiting the NBA's verdict on whether Wembanyama will be suspended following his Flagrant 2 ejection in Game 4.

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

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