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Anthony Edwards spoke to reporters on Wednesday as Minnesota prepared for its first-round playoff matchup against Denver. The guard focused on preparation, familiarity, and the challenge ahead.
“Just stick to our principles. Like you said, we’ve been playing them for the last 5 years. I think we played them the most out of anybody. So just getting more familiar with their plays, learning it a little bit more. Working on different coverages, just getting ready for Jokic and Jamal. We know it’s going to be a lot of those too.”
Edwards pointed to the repeated meetings between the teams as a key factor in preparation. “We played these guys a lot so not trying to give away the game plan. Just locking in and learning tendencies.”
He also described the group dynamic within the Timberwolves’ core rotation, emphasizing communication and accountability. “It’s like a brotherhood. We talk to each other all the time, every day. And we get on each other when we not doing something right. I think that’s the main thing.”
On his responsibilities as a primary ball handler, Edwards explained how he balances scoring and playmaking. “So I just try to ask him what play we need to run, what action we need to run to get Jaden involved or Naz or Julius. So just leaning on him and Micah a little bit more cuz I’m not a traditional point guard.”
Looking back at playoff experience, Edwards highlighted consistency in approach. “Never get too high, never get too low. I think that’s the main thing.”
He also addressed his physical preparation entering the series after a break in game action. “Both. Getting rhythm. Getting used to taking my shots, getting my shots back, getting comfortable back on the court, running up and down, sliding on defense, and I think the main thing is getting back in shape.”
On the matchup itself, Edwards confirmed the level of competition between the teams. “Yeah, for sure. I don’t think there’s anything else to call it but a rivalry.”
He dismissed concerns about surprises from Denver’s game plan. “Yeah, I’ve seen everything now. So nah, nothing they going to throw at me that’s unexpected.”
Defensively, Edwards noted willingness to adjust his role depending on game flow. “I’m willing to take on whatever role I got to. Whether if my offense not going that night, if I got to go guard Jamal, cool. If I got to guard Jokic, cool. Whatever it is to win the game.”
On the pick-and-roll connection with Rudy Gobert, Edwards focused on timing and execution. “Just getting comfortable with throwing that lob, getting downhill, him getting to the dunker more instead of in pick and roll. Just getting to the dunker and allowing me to go by my man and them helping uphill.”
He added that familiarity within the group is already established despite limited recent continuity. “I don’t really think having us together really matter. We played enough games together, so we know each other.”
When asked about Jaden McDaniels’ role, Edwards emphasized confidence and aggression. “Just go be you. Like if you like your matchup, attack him every time. So yeah, long as he’s coming with that mindset like I’mma kill whoever they put in front of me.”
