In the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Game 1 loss to the Golden State Warriors, head coach Chris Finch made his feelings clear when it came to Anthony Edwards’ performance. Despite Edwards’ immense talent and potential, Finch didn’t mince words about the young star’s effort on the court, pointing out areas where he felt Edwards’ intensity fell short. The blunt remarks have sparked conversation around Edwards’ performance, his development, and what the Timberwolves need from him moving forward in this high-stakes series.
The Timberwolves entered Game 1 with high hopes, knowing they had the firepower to compete with a Warriors team led by the legendary Stephen Curry. Edwards, who had been the team’s most consistent scorer throughout the regular season and was the clear focal point of their offense, was expected to rise to the occasion. However, despite flashes of brilliance, Edwards struggled to make an impact for large portions of the game. His shooting was inconsistent, and he often appeared passive, particularly on the defensive end, where Golden State’s ball movement and shooting had him scrambling.
Finch, never one to shy away from calling out his players, didn’t hold back after the loss. “I need Anthony to be more engaged, more focused,” Finch said bluntly in the postgame press conference. “We need him to lead by example and bring it on both ends of the floor. We can’t afford for him to coast through stretches of the game. He’s the guy we look to in moments like this.”
The criticism wasn’t just about Edwards’ scoring. It was also about his overall effort and mentality, particularly in critical moments. The Warriors’ defense, led by the likes of Draymond Green and Kevon Looney, had a clear game plan to make Edwards work for every point. Still, it was his lack of urgency in challenging shots and his inability to stay locked in on defense that drew Finch’s ire. In a game where the Timberwolves were in striking distance, especially in the second half, Edwards’ passivity was glaring. He finished the game with a modest 18 points on 7-of-18 shooting, a far cry from the electric performances he had been known for during the regular season.
The criticism from Finch is part of a larger pattern of tough love that coaches sometimes need to implement with young stars. Edwards is only 22 years old and still finding his way as a leader. However, if the Timberwolves are going to advance past a team like the Warriors, they need Edwards to take a more assertive approach, not only as a scorer but as a leader on both ends of the floor. Finch’s words were a reminder that talent alone won’t carry the Timberwolves — especially not against a championship-caliber team like Golden State.
For Edwards, this is a moment of growth. As the face of the franchise, the onus is on him to carry Minnesota forward. He’s shown time and again that he has the ability to take over games, but Game 1 was a missed opportunity to assert his dominance in the postseason. Whether Finch’s comments serve as a wake-up call or fuel Edwards to prove his coach wrong, one thing is certain: the Timberwolves need their young star to be all-in if they’re going to make any noise in this series. The clock is ticking, and Game 2 is already looming as a critical moment for Edwards to respond to his coach’s challenge. 😳
