Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards takes blame for disappointing defeat vs. Nuggets in Game 3

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been the talk of the association this postseason. The Wolves accomplished their first ever series sweep in the first round by dismantling Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns. The Timberwolves continued their winning ways in the altitude. Minnesota snuck by the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 and then completely obliterated them in Game 2.

Game 3 was a prime opportunity for the ever-hungry Wolves. A chance to go up 3-0 over the reigning champions with the support of their home crowd behind them. However, Minnesota let their golden chance slip through their fingers. A disparaging effort left a Target Center crowd in silence on Friday night. The Timberwolves battled early as Karl-Anthony Towns drilled a few early threes, but Minnesota’s offensive attack dwindled and their gameplan unraveled.

The Nuggets’ championship might was on full display with their backs against the wall. With his play this postseason, Anthony Edwards has continued to draw comparisons to Michael Jordan. Despite his greatness in the 2024 playoffs, Ant was less than stellar in Game 3. Postgame, Edwards took the blame for the team’s “flat” performance. Let’s dive into his thoughts and play from Friday night’s disappointing defeat.

Anthony Edwards keeps it honest

After the crushing loss, Minnesota’s budding superstar was asked what went wrong in comparison to the first two games of this second round series. Edwards pointed the blame directly at himself rather than casting stones at others.

“It’s on me. I’ll take the blame for this loss. I came out with no energy at all,” Edwards said. “I came out flat and I can’t afford to do that for my team. I let my team and my coaches down, fans down so I’ll be ready Sunday.”

First of all, Edwards’ maturity stands out in his answer. Rather than assigning blame or making excuses, Ant directly points to his own shortcomings in the loss. However, this letdown performance is a surprising one given the energy Edwards had prior to tipoff on Friday night.

Minnesota’s star guard was dancing during warmups and seemed to be ready for the moment to take the series by the throat. His play in Game 3 did not back that up despite his unwavering confidence. Ant-Man was not his usual aggressive self in the loss.

Edwards shot the ball just 15 times and additionally turned the rock over five times. Perhaps the most glaring concern is the fact that Edwards shot zero free throws despite a fairly soft whistle throughout most of the game. Edwards also posted a game-worst -32 plus-minus.

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