The frustration and sense of urgency are off the charts right now for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
After dominating their previous two series against both the LA Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, the Minnesota Timberwolves are now walking a tightrope in the 2025 Western Conference Finals.
Down 0-2 series in the series to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Timberwolves’ title hopes are in a problematic spot, just two losses away from elimination.
With the newly-named MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tearing them apart, the Timberwolves have had no answer on the two-way dominance being imposed by the NBA’s best.
With fans becoming pessimistic over their chances to respond, the 118-103 Game 2 loss was a forgettable experience for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Once again, they were suffocated by the Thunder defense in which Julius Randle was completely neutralized, being benched in the final quarter by Chris Finch.
After his below-par Game 1 performance, Anthony Edwards tallied 32 points. But he alone could not put Minnesota over the hump.
Edwards’ frustration over the Timberwolves’ Game 2 loss was seen, when it was reported that he did not talk to the media right after the game.
In the viewpoint of ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, this conduct by the Minnesota superstar is disappointing.
“He didn’t talk to the media. That might just be Ant, saying you fine me for one bleeping f-bomb $50,000, I just won’t talk,” MacMahon said on the latest episode of The Hoop Collective Podcast.
“But it’s a tough look for a face of the franchise not to talk after a playoff loss that puts you down 0-2 in the Western Conference Finals.
“I think you could sense the frustration. … I think he might get fined for skipping the media.”
From Gilgeous-Alexander’s notorious foul-clinching tactics and other key factors such as the unbreakable Thunder defense, Edwards cannot be blamed for his annoyance in Game 2 loss.
But with their backs against the wall, the Timberwolves expect Edwards to stand up and show the needed leadership in these challenging times.
Setting aside the talks of him being the future face of the league, Edwards is facing a defining situation that can make or break his progress in cementing his legacy already.
With Games 3 and 4 set on their home floor, it’s up to Edwards to step up, or let emotions occupy his focus.
