Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards. Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Anthony Edwards' cold shooting spell is historically bad

By Sai Mohan | Last updated 5/25/24

Anthony Edwards began the ongoing NBA playoffs with a bang, averaging an impressive 31 points on 51/44/84 shooting splits against Phoenix and following it up with two 40-point performances within the first four games of the series against Denver.

The Timberwolves star was so incredible that many were ready to anoint him as the new face of the NBA and the heir apparent to Michael Jordan.

However, Edwards has been humbled since Minnesota's Game 6 win against Denver last week. Since that game, Edwards has shot 17-of-57 from the field, including a 5-of-17 performance against the Mavericks in Friday's Game 2 loss.

Edwards' cold shooting spell is the worst field goal percentage by a player over a three-game span in playoff history (minimum 50 field goal attempts).

Ant’s comparison went from Michael Jordan to Dillon Brooks in less than a week…

Worst FG% over any 3-game span in the Playoffs in the last 3 seasons (>50 FGA):

1. 29.8% (17-57) | Ant Edwards | last 3 gms
2. 30.0% (15-50) | Dillon Brooks | 2022 pic.twitter.com/jYTT2w3H0V
— Steven Adams Stats (@funakistats) May 25, 2024

According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, Edwards received oxygen in the fourth quarter of Friday's game to recuperate and stay in the game.

"He looks gassed. If he got oxygen, he is gassed," Charles Barkley said on "Inside the NBA" on TNT.

"The problem I have with his fatigue is he looks tired in the first quarter," Draymond Green said of Edwards. "I think he's just hit a wall. I don't think he's getting tired during the game. He's just hit the wall and struggling to get off it."

Edwards, 22, could be going through the growing pains that every great player had to endure in their younger years. Despite going down 0-2 in the series, Edwards remains uber-confident that his team can go into Dallas and level up the series.

"We've been here before. I don't think anyone in the locker room is panicking. ... We'll be alright."

Anthony Edwards reacts following the Game 2 loss. #WolvesBack #NBAPlayoffs #RaisedByWolves pic.twitter.com/aYvmGZyDe3
— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) May 25, 2024