Edwards calms Timberwolves in return, sparks Game 1 win over Spurs
Anthony Edwards provided a calming presence to help the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the San Antonio Spurs in a Western Conference semifinals opener.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards scored 11 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter of a playoff win over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday in San Antonio. Photo by Dustin Bradford/EPA-EFE May 5 (UPI) -- Anthony Edwards attempted to strike fear into foes, shouting "I'm back" at the San Antonio Spurs bench after he made his first shot of a victory in Game 1 of a Western Conference semifinals series. But the All-NBA guard, who returned from a knee injury, said his main role was to inject calm into his Minnesota Timberwolves teammates Monday in San Antonio.
Edwards admitted he isn't yet back to himself athletically, but he summoned and spread serenity throughout the 104-102 triumph. "I'm not saying it's any pressure on any of my teammates, but it takes pressure off of everybody just knowing that I'm out there, I'm available to play," Edwards, who came off the bench, told reporters. Edwards, who missed the final two games of a first-round series with the Denver Nuggets due to a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise, made 8 of 13 shot attempts for 18 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter.
He also logged three assists, three rebounds and a block in 25:15 of action. "Ant was awesome," Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said. "He was really good.
I forgot how good he was, actually. " Julius Randle scored a game-high 21 points, with 10 rebounds. Fellow Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels and guard Terrence Shannon Jr.