Feb 22, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) looks on during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Feb 22, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) looks on during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Heading into the Conference Semifinals against the San Antonio Spurs, Anthony Edwards looks calm and confident in their ability to win, even with opponent fans cheering. The Timberwolves knocked out the Denver Nuggets in a 4-2 series win, with Edwards leading the charge for the Wolves.
The veteran shooting guard averaged 18.5 points, along with 6.8 rebounds and 3 assists per game in the four games that he played in the series against Jokic and Co. Edwards carried that momentum forward into the first game against the Spurs, causing the home crowd at Frost Bank Center significant grief.
“I mean, everybody in the arena is against us. That’s the best thing about it. You start on the road, everybody got on pink, blue, whatever color shirts there is, chanting ‘Go Spurs Go,’ doing all that and I’m with Minnesota,” said Edwards during the media interaction after the Timberwolves won 104-102.
The Timberwolves clinched victory in Game 1, even with the Spurs' big man, Victor Wembanyama, setting up a new NBA Playoff block record. Wemby made 12 blocks, hindering the Minnesota shooting, while adding 11 points and 15 rebounds to the Spurs' score.
“I got Minnesota’s back at all times. I’m out there with my brothers and we’re going to war,” Edwards added. And go to war he did!
Coming off a 10-day injury break after hyperextending his left knee in Game 5 of the Nuggets’ series, Edwards brought the heat. He used the negative energy of the away crowd to fuel his fire, leading the Wolves to a close victory.
The four-time All-Star seemed unstoppable, bagging 18 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists in 25 minutes off the bench. He shot 8-of-13 from the field and 2-of-3 from outside the paint. After his first 3-pointer, he was seen screaming, “I’m back! I’m back!” at the Spurs’ bench.
Edwards’ spark in the fourth quarter of the game kept the team motivated and pushing for a win over Wemby’s generation reach. But, post the game, he was also mindful of the errors in his team’s play.
Anthony Edwards assesses his own mistakes in Game 1
While the Timberwolves ended up winning Game 1 against the Spurs, the win was close, with only a two-point difference.
Edwards seemed keenly aware of this, as he spoke about his mindset and mistakes in the post-game interview.
“75% of the game for me is my mind," Edwards said. "My mind got to be where it needs to be. And in the last two minutes of the game, it wasn't. I gave up two offensive rebounds. Turned the ball over."
The seasoned veteran seemed to be caught up in the moment in the final minutes of the game, as he gave up two offensive rebounds. Spurs forward Julian Champagnie was quick to it, picking up both for San Antonio, keeping them alive in the last minutes of the game.
Edwards candidly acknowledged his defensive lapses and promised to do a better job in the upcoming games.
“I’ll be better”
Fans will now be looking forward to Game 2, where the Spurs host the Timberwolves again on Thursday, May 7.
Do you think Anthony Edwards can lead Minnesota to a 2-0 early lead in this playoff series against San Antonio? Let us know in the comments.
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