Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards admitted Thursday night’s 120-115 loss to the Chicago Bulls was on him. “If I play halfway like myself tonight, we win the game. So, I don’t really blame nobody but myself,” he said following the defeat at Target Center.
Edwards, who finished with 20 points, cited foul trouble as a turning point. “I thought I was in rhythm until I got my second foul and then I kind of messed everything up,” he explained. “I still got to find a way to get my brother back. I think I just never got it back after that.”
The guard also reflected on defensive lapses. “Coach Finch is right. We just got to get back to having a defensive identity,” Edwards said. “Just playing, just being physical, not getting blown by. That’s the main thing: containing the ball. No excuses.”
Edwards discussed a key late possession where Coby White nailed a corner three. “Josh Giddey made a good pass. I wasn’t expecting that pass, so I was stuck in quicks and when he caught the ball it felt like it. I couldn’t really get a contest,” he admitted.
He stressed the impact of early fouls on his rhythm. “It’s kind of tough. I can’t get a foul, I can’t get two fouls in the first quarter. Not like early in the quarter. It definitely messed everything up because I’m used to finishing the quarter, not starting the second,” Edwards said.
The Timberwolves fell behind by 14 points in the first half and saw a 13-0 run by Chicago in the fourth quarter. Edwards acknowledged missed opportunities. “Defensively, there’s always things to do better. Offensively, I just make my shots. Just that simple,” he said.
Edwards’ leadership was evident despite the loss. “I just got to play better in a game like tonight. Offensively, defensively, both ends of the floor,” he said, taking accountability for the team’s struggles.
Minnesota’s loss marked their fourth consecutive defeat, dropping the team to 27-18, while Chicago extended their winning streak to three, improving to 22-22. The Timberwolves will host Golden State on Saturday, and the Bulls face Boston.
