DALLAS — Minnesota’s standout guard, Anthony Edwards, registered 17 points in 23 minutes during the Timberwolves’ 124-94 triumph against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday evening, entering from the sidelines, though this was not the initial strategy.
Edwards had been slated for the initial roster and his name declared to the spectators; however, he was conspicuously absent, prompting Mike Conley to substitute for him at the game’s commencement. Edwards eventually proceeded onto the floor, entering the contest 2 minutes and 1 second into play.
Wolves’ head coach Chris Finch offered a straightforward clarification. “Nature calls,” he remarked.
“Mike supported me,” Edwards stated with a smile.
He expressed feeling “dejected” while sidelined, then experiencing a sensation akin to “a child in a confectionery” following his reentry.
“Ant was exceptional, truly,” Finch commented. “His defensive efforts were remarkable. He simply allowed the contest to unfold naturally, maintained his assertiveness, and executed swifter choices. Consequently, actions appeared relatively effortless for him.”
Edwards, who has been posting a personal best of 29.5 points over 35.5 minutes per game, made his comeback subsequent to sitting out the preceding six matchups due to discomfort in his right knee.
For All-NBA candidacy, Edwards would be required to participate in all eight forthcoming Wolves games. He ranked seventh in MVP balloting during each of the past two campaigns.
Edwards has appeared in 58 contests; however, his 3 minutes and 8 seconds against Indiana on October 26 are not factored into the NBA’s official game tallies.
Minnesota disclosed earlier on Monday that forward Jaden McDaniels is listed with an uncertain return timeline after an MRI indicated left knee patella tendinopathy and a bone bruise. McDaniels, who is posting a personal best of 14.8 points per game, departed Wednesday’s contest due to the ailment and was absent on Saturday.