Anthony Edwards accepts reality of massive Game 5 loss to Oklahoma City Thunder and playoff elimination
Anthony Edwards. Image via: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Timberwolves' postseason dreams came to a crushing end in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, as the Oklahoma City Thunder stormed to a 124-94 victory. With the win, OKC secured their first NBA Finals berth since 2012, while the Wolves bowed out in disappointing fashion for the second straight year.
Star guard
Anthony Edwards
, often hailed as the future face of the league, took the loss on the chin and didn't shy away from accountability.
Anthony Edwards accepts Game 5 defeat while giving a shout-out to the Oklahoma City Thunder
The Timberwolves never truly looked in sync during Game 5, or the previous game, for that matter. After scoring the first three points of the game, they were overwhelmed by the Thunder's run and never recovered. As the final buzzer sounded, the Thunder had not only secured the series 4-1 but also stamped their dominance with a fourth 30-point win in this postseason.
Anthony Edwards has seemingly accepted the defeat. 'Can't do nothing, but tip my hat to those guys. They came ready,' he admitted in his post-game comments. Edwards praised Oklahoma City's energy and intensity throughout the series.
While Edwards managed 19 points, six rebounds, and two assists in Game 5, his shooting woes (7-of-18 FG, 1-of-7 from three) reflected how effectively the Thunder clamped down on him. Defensive aces like Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace blanketed him with physicality, which was something Edwards struggled to navigate throughout the series.
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch addressed the elephant in the room, saying his star must improve in one critical area: handling contact. He explicitly shared that Edwards needs to learn to handle physicality, noting that while OKC's defense was tough, it exposed Edwards' need to elevate under pressure.
Still, Edwards' mindset appears focused on growth rather than frustration. 'Nobody's gonna work harder than me this summer,' he promised.
'I'll try to make it happen again for Mike.' His dedication to veteran teammate Mike Conley, 37.
Also Read:
Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson issues an apology to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company after Oklahoma City Thunder's 30-point Game 5 win
The Thunder's mix of elite defense, sharp execution, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP-level performance ultimately proved too much for the Timberwolves.
For Edwards, this painful exit may be the start of something bigger. The fire has been lit, and he's already planning his comeback. Knowing his dominant attitude, Edwards may come back stronger next season, potentially bringing the team to the finals.
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