Anthony Edwards Feels 'Great' After T-Wolves' Loss to Thunder, 'We'll Figure It Out'
Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards isn't worried despite Tuesday's one-sided loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
Speaking to reporters after the 114-88 defeat, Edwards made it clear that he isn't sweating things yet, saying, "I feel great."
Edwards went on to say that he needs to be more involved offensively for the remainder of the series, adding:
"I definitely got to shoot more. I only took 13 f--king shots. ... Probably just get off the ball a little more, play without the ball. I think that will be the answer. Because playing on the ball, they're just going to double and sit in the gaps all day. So, got to go watch some film and pick it apart. We'll figure it out."
Edwards was not his dominant self in Game 1, finishing with just 18 points on 5-of-13 shooting to go along with nine rebounds and three assists.
The 13 shot attempts matched the fewest Edwards has taken during the T-Wolves' playoff run so far this postseason.
Entering Tuesday's game, Edwards was averaging about 21 shots per game during the playoffs, as well as 26.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 3.5 made three-pointers and 1.5 steals.
With production like that, Edwards was the driving force behind Minnesota's run to the Western Conference Finals. He played a big role in overwhelming the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors over the first two rounds.
While the three-time All-Star was far from his best in Game 1 against OKC, he was far from the Timberwolves' only issue.
Collectively, the T-Wolves shot just 34.9 percent from the field and 29.4 percent from beyond the arc, compared to 50.0 percent from the floor and a sizzling 52.4 percent from deep for the Thunder.
Of the five T-Wolves players to attempt 10 or more shots, Julius Randle was the only one to produce any level of efficiency, finishing with a team-high 28 points on 9-of-13 shooting.
Donte DiVincenzo went 3-for-14, Naz Reid shot 1-for-11, Nickeil Alexander-Walker went 3-for-11 and Mike Conley shot 2-of-8.
The Thunder's stifling defense contributed to the Wolves' middling efficiency, as they ranked third in points allowed and first in field-goal percentage against during the regular season.
Although Game 1 was ugly for the Timberwolves, they have been here before during these playoffs.
In the second round, the T-Wolves fell behind 1-0 to the Warriors before reeling off four consecutive wins and reaching the Western Conference Finals for a second consecutive season.
However, the Timberwolves benefited from the Warriors losing their best player, Stephen Curry, to a hamstring injury. They can't expect something similar to happen with MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led all scorers with 31 points on Tuesday.
Edwards and the T-Wolves will look to get back on track Thursday when the Thunder host them for Game 2.
