SUMMARY
- Anthony Edwards was administered oxygen towards the end of Game 2 vs Mavericks.
- Chris Finch is aware that Edwards is fatigued.
After a fiery start to the playoffs, Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves seemed like they were title-bound. But based on how they’ve been performing since the end of the second round, it’s evident that the pressure is slowly starting to affect them. The Dallas Mavericks, despite the experience and offensive firepower they possess, are still a significantly weaker team. Why? It’s because they aren’t as defensively inclined as the Wolves are.
During the time Anthony Edwards was checked out of the game from 7:53 to 5:31 remaining in the 4th Q, the Wolves guard put on a face mask to receive oxygen in the tunnel by the Minnesota bench.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 25, 2024
During Game 2, Edwards didn’t have much of a showing. But there was a moment of concern for the Timberwolves when the 22-year-old exited the game briefly to be administered with oxygen. Usually, athletes are administered oxygen supply to boost the oxygen levels in the bloodstream which helps them feel a bit more energetic.
Chris Finch needs to make sure to rest Anthony Edwards given the opportunity
Anthony Edwards ended up playing for 40 minutes on the floor, recording 21 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and a block. However, 5-17 is a shallow shooting night for the standout guard. He hasn’t been able to be his usual explosive self which is also duly affecting his ability to make the right plays. Following the game, Chris Finch also admitted that he should’ve benched Edwards during the start of the fourth quarter.
However, Finch also stated that he can’t afford to do that especially since Kyrie Irving is on the floor for a good chunk of the game. But this can further fatigue Edwards to a point where he won’t be able to perform well if the Timberwolves somehow pull off a series victory. Being 2-0 and on the road won’t be an easy task but they’ve been in this position before. Finch needs to stay alert about Edwards’ health as over-exertion could lead to dire consequences.
What will it take for the Timberwolves to recover?
The Timberwolves’ coaching staff is most certainly aware that the roster needs to come up with a game plan, soon. In case they choose to put Anthony Edwards on minutes restriction for a game or two, Karl-Anthony Towns needs to start taking on the role of a first option once again. As a number one option, Towns has shown that he can put up between 24 to 26 points per game consistently while knocking down rebounds in double digits as well. KAT’s 18.3 points per game will not be enough for the Wolves at the moment.
KARL ANTHONY FUCKING TOWNS pic.twitter.com/rPl1mE29AV https://t.co/Vg8QM6Ntdw
— 👑 (@cookedbyleking) May 23, 2024
Additionally, Finch needs to push Jaden McDaniels to take on some offensive duties and balance out defensive responsibilities between him and Edwards. KAT also doesn’t have to worry about guarding Dallas’ big men either as they don’t have players of Nikola Jokic or Kevin Durant’s caliber.