The Minnesota Timberwolves had a big chance to put the reigning NBA champions against the ropes.
Chris Finch’s team failed to keep the momentum going in Game 3, struggling on offense from the very start of the game, and spending more time complaining about calls than trying to get back on defense.
Following the loss, Anthony Edwards didn’t hesitate to take the blame.
Talking to NBA TV, the former No. 1 pick claimed that he came out with no energy at all, which is something that neither he nor his team could afford.
“It’s on me, I’ll take the blame for this loss. I came out with no energy at all. … I can’t afford to do that for my team. I let my team, coaches, and the fans down,” Edwards said.
Anthony Edwards: “It’s on me, I’ll take the blame for this loss. I came out with no energy at all. … I can’t afford to do that for my team. I let my team, coaches, and the fans down.” pic.twitter.com/cHU2nz2JPE
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 11, 2024
Edwards had his most modest outing of the postseason, finishing with just 19 points, six rebounds, five assists, one block, and three three-pointers on 8-of-15 shooting.
Jamal Murray finally bounced back, scoring 24 points with four boards, five assists, and three steals, and he looked back to full strength after struggling with a hamstring injury.
The reigning champions refuse to cave in and waive the white flag.
They’ll look to steal homecourt advantage back in Game 4, and they’ve shown that they’re more than capable of doing so.
The Timberwolves were the last undefeated team in the playoffs until Friday night, and this kind of lackluster defensive performance was quite out of character.
Perhaps they were too confident after blowing out the Nuggets without Rudy Gobert in Game 2, and that’s something you just cannot afford in the playoffs, especially when you’re going against the team to beat and the best player in the Association.
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LeBon James Reveals What Advantage The Timberwolves Have In Playoffs
