The Minnesota Timberwolves displayed significant determination in their recent encounter with the Oklahoma City Thunder, ultimately suffering a 130-123 defeat. Anthony Edwards was a standout for the Wolves, coming close to a triple-double with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists.
However, this season has raised concerns regarding Edwards. He is currently leading the league in total fouls for the season, and he continued this trend during the game against the Thunder.
Tension erupted at the end of the first quarter, with the Thunder ahead by 11 points at 34-23. Edwards showed visible frustration following a technical foul called against him and approached the referees.
“Trash. That’s trash. That’s a trash call,” Edwards could be heard expressing his discontent to the officials.
“Trash. That’s trash. That’s a trash call.”
Anthony Edwards to the refs 👀pic.twitter.com/h2Grya6eGc
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 24, 2025
Fortunately, the Timberwolves’ coaching staff quickly intervened to comfort the three-time NBA All-Star, steering him away from the referees to prevent further conflict. His contribution was essential as he endeavored to motivate his teammates, particularly after they ended the first half with an impressive 23-7 run, briefly taking a 63-61 lead. Nonetheless, they encountered significant challenges against one of the top teams in the league.
Anthony Edwards’ Fouling Woes Persisted Until the Final Quarter
Despite the support of his team, Anthony Edwards frequently finds himself in troubling situations. As the NBA season intensifies, Minnesota’s rising star finds himself under scrutiny. Following the game against the Thunder, Edwards collected his 14th technical foul of the season.
This particular foul occurred midway through the third quarter when he fell to the ground and clapped near the official’s face, showing his frustration with a missed call. As the playoff race tightens, Edwards is at risk of receiving a one-game suspension due to his ongoing issues with fouling.
Asked Anthony Edwards what’s the key to slowing down OKC: “It’s hard to with the calls that Shai gets. It’s hard to shut them down. You can’t touch him any time of the game. It’s super hard to beat. That team is a good team, especially when they’re getting calls like that.”
— Chris Hine (@ChristopherHine) January 21, 2024
With just two more technical fouls, Edwards faces a potential $5,000 fine and a forced absence from the game, adding pressure to the enthusiastic shooting guard. Managing emotions in pressure situations is a challenge faced by many athletes, and Edwards is no exception. Currently sitting seventh in the Western Conference with 24 games left, his temper could endanger both his game and the team’s playoff hopes.
Moreover, Edwards’ frustrations have been heightened due to comparisons with fellow star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, known for his ability to draw fouls and earn free-throw opportunities. Edwards has also spoken out about the inconsistencies in foul calls during matches, which further fuels his competitive drive.
Image Source: Anthony Edwards @ Instagram
