The Minnesota Timberwolves looked inevitable after their first two games against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals.
On the road at Ball Arena, the T-Wolves stunned the defending champions and returned home with a 2-0 series lead. But things did not go well at Target Center in Game 3. Denver built a 56-41 lead at half and found itself up by as much as 34 late in the fourth quarter en route to a 117-90 victory.
After stifling the Nuggets’ offense in Denver, the Timberwolves saw their opponent shoot 53.8 percent from the floor and win the rebound battle 40-32 — most likely inspired by the diss track Nuggets coach Michael Malone made.
But Anthony Edwards isn’t buying that explanation. Instead he took all the blame for the blowout loss and did his best to keep his teammates focused on the overall task.
"It's on me. I'll take the blame for this loss. I came out with no energy. I can't afford to do that. I let my team and my coaches down, fans down." – Anthony Edwardspic.twitter.com/MmBu2QV76u
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) May 11, 2024
As someone widely expected to become the next face of the NBA, it’s a comment that certainly projects leadership. Especially after Edwards dropped 19 points, six rebounds and five assists. Yet that wasn’t the only way Edwards tried to keep Minnesota’s spirits up.
At the end of the game, cameras caught Edwards reminding the bench that this was only one game in a best-of-seven series.
“It’s a series, bruh, we good” – Anthony Edwards pic.twitter.com/fvSZlqkWPS
— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) May 11, 2024
Going 16-0 in the playoffs en route to a championship was pretty unrealistic for Minnesota. Especially in a Western Conference loaded with elite teams. The vibes were understandably high after sweeping the Phoenix Suns and winning the first two in Denver, but the dose of reality here was expected.
Edwards is doing his best to take it in stride and keep his teammates focused. Game 4 is set for Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.
