From Misses to Mastery: The Shift in Edwards’ Game
Game 3 against Golden State had all the makings of another Anthony Edwards takeover — but it didn’t start that way. Eight points at halftime. A 3-for-12 shooting line. A -11 on the floor.
And then came the response.
Edwards poured in 28 points in the second half. He soared past defenders, flattened Kevon Looney with a dunk, and nailed deep threes. But the defining moment? A pass.
Triple-teamed late in the fourth, Edwards skipped it to Julius Randle, who found Jaden McDaniels for the dagger three. It didn’t show up in the box score — but everyone knew who made the play.
Clutch Confidence with a Team-First Twist
Minnesota is undefeated in clutch time this postseason (4-0), outscoring opponents 45-16. Edwards alone has 15 points, five assists, and zero turnovers in crunch time — all while playing controlled, composed basketball.
“My trainer always tells me, ‘Michael Jordan had Steve Kerr,’” Edwards said. “So I’ve learned to trust the pass.”
It’s the evolution of a star who used to force shots late — and now embraces making the right read.
The Turning Point: December in Chase Center
The growth didn’t happen overnight.
Back in December, Edwards had a similar matchup against the Warriors. He dropped 15 in the third, then went 0-for-6 in the fourth, forcing shots and ending the game with a turnover.
“That’s on me,” he told the locker room postgame. “I just stopped creating for everyone else.”
That moment became a catalyst. Two days prior, he’d notched 30 and nine assists in a blowout win. The contrast opened eyes — especially his.
Learning from Jordan, Kobe… and Rick Fox
Edwards’ trainer, Chris Hines, pushed him to see the game differently — not just highlight dunks or buzzer-beaters, but the trust legends like Kobe showed in teammates.
“He didn’t even know who Rick Fox was,” Hines said. “But when I showed him Kobe hitting Fox for a corner three, the lightbulb went on.”
Now, Edwards embraces the “right play” — even if that means not taking the shot himself. His regular-season record on go-ahead or tying shots (0-for-15) is a reminder of why growth was necessary. He’s learning to win the right way.
Olympic Boost: Confidence from the Best
Playing for Team USA last summer under Steve Kerr put Edwards in a room with LeBron, Curry, and Durant. It gave him perspective — and validation.
“KD told me, catch-and-shoot is everything,” Edwards said.
Now, he doesn’t just thrive with the ball — he hunts catch-and-shoot threes as a secondary weapon. It’s a subtle but elite adjustment.
“We’ve been telling him he’s elite in those spots for years,” said coach Chris Finch. “Now he finally believes it.”
Minnesota’s New Closer
With Minnesota on the brink of a second straight conference finals appearance, Edwards has become more than a scorer. He’s a closer. A connector. A star with poise, patience, and timing.
“He’s Kobe-like in belief,” said teammate Julius Randle. “And I played with Kobe.”
In the biggest moments, Edwards isn’t forcing the issue. He’s dictating it — and redefining what greatness looks like.
“We always preach, ‘Make the right play,’” Finch said.
“And one day, Ant looked at me and said, ‘Maybe I’m the right play.’”
And now? He absolutely is.
