ESPN
The Minnesota Timberwolves were dealt a brief but frightening blow in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. Star shooting guard Anthony Edwards suffered a right ankle injury in the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Early Scare for Timberwolves Fans
With less than a minute left in the first quarter, Edwards drove through the lane and landed awkwardly. He rolled his right ankle after being fouled during the play and immediately clutched at it in visible discomfort.
Despite the pain, the Timberwolves' leading scorer stayed on the court. He took his free throws, making one of two attempts. However, cameras later caught him walking into the locker room as the quarter ended. He missed the start of the second quarter while being evaluated.
Edwards’ Performance Before the Injury
Before the injury, Edwards looked sharp. In the opening minutes, he scored seven points on 2-of-3 shooting. He also grabbed three rebounds and seemed ready to dominate as usual. His regular season averages speak volumes — 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.
Quick Return Eases Concerns
The Timberwolves bench and fans didn’t have to wait long for good news. Edwards was seen jogging through the tunnel and returning to the sideline during a timeout in the second quarter. He went through light footwork drills before checking back into the game with 7:01 left in the period.
No Limp, All Business
Once back on the floor, Edwards showed no visible signs of limping or discomfort. He quickly got back into the action, collecting a defensive rebound and taking a shot shortly after. Though he missed a floating bank attempt, his movement looked fluid and confident.
A Crucial Piece in Minnesota’s Playoff Run
Anthony Edwards’ ankle injury may have sparked anxiety, but his quick return was a major relief. With the Timberwolves in the midst of a high-stakes
playoff battle, every minute with their All-Star guard on the court is crucial. His presence and performance have been vital throughout the season, and Minnesota will need him at full strength to get past the Thunder and continue their championship push.
What’s Next for Edwards and the Timberwolves?
While Edwards appears fine for now, fans and team staff will keep a close eye on any signs of swelling or discomfort post-game. Expect official updates from the Timberwolves’ medical staff regarding his condition ahead of Game 2.
Minnesota can’t afford to lose their most explosive player — especially at such a critical point in the playoffs. Edwards’ resilience and quick recovery already show his importance, not just as a scorer, but as the heart of this team.
