The Minnesota Timberwolves were the West semi-final Game 1 home facing the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. Minnesota was unable to draw out a victory despite Steph Curry leaving the game with a hamstring injury.
It was a 99-88 victory for the Warriors in Game 1. After his home defeat, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch spoke to the media. He summoned All-Star SG’s Anthony Edwards and said, “You’re the leader.” Edwards finished with 23 points but only had one point at halftime Tuesday. Finch thought Edwards was “struggling” in Game 1, but is sure he could come back for Game 2.
How will Anthony Edwards respond after his head coach calls him?
“You’re the leader of the team and you need to come out and set the tone.”
Chris Finch wants to carry energy to Anthony Edwards, even when his shots aren’t falling 🎤 pic.twitter.com/kqnydbem72
– NBA TV (@nbatv) May 7, 2025
Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards is one of the brightest young stars in the NBA. Edwards has the chance to become the next face in the league when players like LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Steph Curry retire. This brings attention from the media and pressures to work well in court. On Tuesday night, the Timberwolves were at home and faced the Warriors in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals.
The 23-year-old spent a rough shoot night to start the game. Edwards was 0-8 off the field at halftime, but only scored one point. He finished the game with 23 points and went 9-23 off the field. Edwards started the 0-10 game before he made his first basket. Coach Chris Finch called out Edwards after the match despite his poor shooting performance. He wasn’t angry about the inefficiency. Rather, Finch wanted Edwards to carry himself better when the shot wasn’t falling.
Finch explained how Edwards is the “leader” of the team. So does his teammates as Anthony Edwards plays with strength and talent. There’s no doubt Edwards has heard this message from his head coach. All-Star SG has to form themselves for Game 2 and stay in that moment. Minnesota will win Thursday night to keep the Warriors from falling 2-0. Expect Edwards to step up for the Timberwolves.
