Anthony Edwards admitted the Minnesota Timberwolves failed to match the intensity needed in Game 2 after suffering a crushing 133-95 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night. The result tied the Western Conference semifinal series at 1-1 as the matchup now heads to Minneapolis.
Before the game, Edwards revealed he had warned his teammates about the danger of complacency after stealing the opening game on the road. However, Minnesota struggled from the start, scoring only 17 points in the first quarter and 18 in the second. By halftime, the Timberwolves trailed by 24 points and later found themselves down by as many as 47 during a disastrous night.
Following the defeat, Edwards criticized the team’s energy and focus, saying the Timberwolves “came out cool” despite knowing the Spurs would respond aggressively. Head coach Chris Finch delivered an even stronger assessment, telling the team they had been “punked” by San Antonio’s physical approach and relentless pressure.
The Spurs disrupted Minnesota’s offense with full-court pressure, double teams and aggressive defense that forced Edwards to give up the ball early. Finch was unhappy with the Timberwolves’ reaction to the defensive schemes, pointing to poor spacing, slow ball movement and unnecessary dribbling that led to difficult situations offensively.
Minnesota struggled badly in several areas, making just nine of 30 attempts from three-point range while also missing numerous opportunities inside the paint against Victor Wembanyama. The Timberwolves also committed 22 turnovers, allowing San Antonio to control the tempo throughout the contest.
Julius Randle acknowledged the team repeatedly put itself in poor positions offensively, particularly when facing traps and pressure defense. Finch added that the offense became stagnant, with too much isolation play and ineffective dribbling.
Minnesota also struggled without Jaden McDaniels on the court for extended periods because of foul trouble. Edwards stressed how important McDaniels is to the team’s success, noting that opponents become more confident whenever the versatile defender is forced to the bench early.
Edwards, who recently recovered from a hyperextended knee and bone bruise, said he feels healthy again and is prepared for a heavier workload as the series shifts to Minnesota. Despite the humiliating defeat, the Timberwolves star praised San Antonio’s urgency and determination, admitting the Spurs were the more desperate team in Game 2.
After shocking the 62-win Spurs in the opener, Minnesota now faces renewed pressure heading home with the series evenly balanced.
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