Crisis averted for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Star guard Anthony Edwards has been cleared to play in Sunday’s regular season finale against the Utah Jazz after the NBA officially rescinded his 18th technical foul, league sources confirmed Saturday.
The reversal nullifies what would have been a one-game suspension. Under NBA rules, a player is automatically suspended for one game after receiving a 17th and 18th technical foul during the regular season, with further suspensions applied every two infractions thereafter.
The Incident
The disputed technical occurred in the second quarter of Minnesota’s 117–91 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. Edwards was called for a personal foul while defending Keon Johnson and was then assessed a technical by referee Ray Acosta for using profanity in protest.
“I tried to play good defense. They called a foul. I asked what the foul was — yeah, I used a little language — and he gave me a tech,” Edwards said postgame.
Despite the call, Edwards emphasized that he and Acosta maintain a good relationship and spoke after the game.
“I don’t feel like it should’ve been a tech. Just that little gesture.”
Head coach Chris Finch also questioned the call.
“I didn’t get a clear explanation. It didn’t seem like anything egregious or demonstrative.”
Why It Matters
The NBA’s decision is a significant boost for Minnesota, who are still battling for playoff positioning in the crowded Western Conference.
- The Timberwolves (48–33) can finish as high as fourth with a win over Utah and favorable results elsewhere — which would earn them home-court advantage in the first round.
- A loss, however, could drop them as low as eighth, forcing a trip to the play-in tournament.
With Edwards — the team’s leading scorer and emotional leader — available, Minnesota’s path to a secure playoff berth becomes considerably clearer.
Edwards’ Discipline Track Record
- 18 technical fouls this season (now officially reduced to 17)
- Six league fines totaling $320,000
Despite occasional discipline issues, Edwards has been a consistent force for Minnesota. Since returning from a suspension in February — also against Utah — the Timberwolves are 16–4 with him in the lineup.
Final Regular Season Game
- Opponent: Utah Jazz
- Date: Sunday, April 14
- Location: Target Center, Minneapolis
- Stakes: Potential for fourth seed vs. risk of falling into play-in
With the postseason on the line, Minnesota gets a massive lift. Edwards’ availability could be the difference between a first-round advantage and a treacherous play-in scenario.
The Timberwolves are back at full strength — and the path to the playoffs remains wide open.
