San Antonio — Anthony Edwards It is estimated that sometime Sunday, eight nights after his left knee bent so far back on a block attempt that it caused a deep bone bruise, he knew it had healed enough to be ready for Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
“I know for a fact that me being there calms everyone down,” Edwards said.
minnesota timberwolvesEntered this series as a heavy underdog to 62 wins San Antonio Spurspulled a surprise 104-102 road win Monday night due to multiple contributors. But most of the postgame conversation was about Edwards, who came off the bench but still stole the show.
On Saturday, after a week of underwater treadmill training and band work to loosen up a swollen knee, Edwards returned to the practice court for a light workout. Some of his teammates later said that his first appearance gave them an initial inclination that Edwards might return in the second round.
But Game 1?
“Nobody expected him to play,” the veteran guard said. mike connelly Said.
As the weekend continued, team sources indicated to ESPN growing optimism that Edwards – a renowned fast-recoverer julius randall Referred to as the “Wolverines” – was trending toward Game 3 after the series moved to Minneapolis. Edwards coach Chris Finch said he was initially told Edwards would be in Game 2.
But Edwards had other plans. Despite not receiving any contact work or testing, he told the team’s medical staff and front office that his knee had responded well enough to move up the timeline. As of Sunday night, he was listed as doubtful. He participated in Monday morning’s shootaround with a heavy sleeve over his left knee. He made his way towards the green light.
“I called him my hero before the game,” Conley said. “You look up to someone for what they experienced in themselves last week.”
The Timberwolves, still trying to be somewhat cautious, brought Edwards off the bench. Despite the score being tough throughout Game 1, they limited it to 25 minutes.
Edwards adapted to that run, scoring 18 points on 8 of 13 shooting, providing a needed offensive boost on a night in which neither team could score efficiently.
There were moments of some concern. Edwards briefly grabbed his left knee after a dizzying lefty layup in the second half. It appeared he didn’t have his full lift and he admitted after the game that he didn’t have all the athleticism he needed when he gave up some big offensive rebounds late.
But both the statistical output and the eye test were encouraging. He beat his defender off the dribble on a few occasions, and helped close it out by blasting five more times in the final nine minutes for 11 points.
“I feel great,” Edwards said, acknowledging that he would be willing to increase his minutes and usage if asked. “Whatever the coach needs from me.”
Minnesota took control of the series opener thanks to tough defense. Timberwolves hosted De’Aaron Fox And Victor Vembanyama Shooting a combined 10 of 31. They both missed all 12 of their 3-point attempts. San Antonio scored only 45 points in the first half.
“You’ve got to act like he’s not there. He’s going to get blocks. He’s the tallest guy in the world. Just keep attacking. Sometimes he’s not going to be there.”
Jaden McDaniels of the Timberwolves on Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs
But Spurs were in it late thanks to Vembanyama’s defence. He set an NBA playoff record with 12 blocks, overcoming a consistently aggressive Timberwolves team that had faced little rim resistance in their previous series. Nikola JokicThe Nuggets’ starting center had only five total blocks in six games.
“You have to act like he’s not there,” jaden mcdaniels Said about Vembanyama. “He’s going to get blocks. He’s the tallest guy in the world. Just keep attacking. Sometimes, he won’t be able to get there.”
Spurs got a late chance. Edwards, who was criticized for some of his mental lapses in the closing minutes, had an inbounds turnover that opened the door.
Julian Champagnie The wing had a good look at the 3-point attempt to win it at the buzzer but missed, sealing the Timberwolves’ Game 1 victory and making Edwards the hero.
Eleven years ago, a young Conley fractured his face in the 2015 playoffs, but quickly returned with a face mask to help the short-handed memphis grizzlies Earn a Game 2 Road Win Over the Top Seed Golden State Warriors. It’s a signature moment of toughness in Conley’s career that he was reminded of Monday night when talking about Edwards.
“Broke my face and played four days later,” Conley said. “It was like maybe where you shouldn’t be playing but you do it anyway. You win games, and it motivates your team in some way. I saw a lot of myself in him. I’m very proud of him.”
