Anthony Edwards" comments reveal a focused and determined player heading into the playoffs.
He seems eager to showcase his full skillset without the perceived constraints of regular season officiating.
This newfound freedom could translate to increased scoring and a more dynamic performance from the young star.
As the NBA playoffs intensify, rising star Anthony Edwards opens up about his mindset heading into the matchup against the Phoenix Suns.
Edwards acknowledges the frustration over officiating during the regular season games against the Suns and hopes for a fairer playing field in the playoffs.
"Those games [are] over with… It’s a whole different game now. The refs can’t call those fouls that [they are] calling."
Anthony Edwards on his mindset heading to the playoffs against the Suns 👀
(via @BallySportsNOR)pic.twitter.com/9NlIPW4vBk
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 15, 2024
The tension between the Timberwolves and the Suns, fueled by officiating decisions, is highlighted by Edwards" comments.
Throughout the regular season, the Timberwolves struggled against the Suns, with Edwards often on the receiving end of unfavorable foul calls.
The perception is that officiating tends to be stricter in the regular season, while the playoffs allow for a more physical game.
Edwards sees this shift as an opportunity to showcase his aggressive playstyle and potentially impact the series.
A fairer officiating landscape could also benefit Karl-Anthony Towns and the entire Timberwolves team.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have started the NBA playoffs with a 2-0 record for the first time in 20 years, a remarkable achievement considering their limited playoff experience.
They have outscored the Phoenix Suns by 37 points in their victories, showcasing their dominant performance.
Ant to @notthefakeSVP: "I just want to kill everything in front of me."
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) April 27, 2024
"I just wanna kill everything in front of me, man"- Anthony Edwards goat mentality #NBAPlayoffs #RaisedByWolves pic.twitter.com/1Ihpb0JPdf
— Playoff Æ 🔥 (@Fwizzed) April 27, 2024
The Timberwolves" strong defense has been a key factor in their success, holding their opponents to under 100 points in consecutive games for the first time this season.
The Suns" star players, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal have struggled to find their rhythm and have been held to lower scores.
Jaden McDaniels stood out for the Timberwolves with 25 points and eight rebounds in Game 2, while Devin Booker has struggled so far in the series.
Rudy Gobert"s unconventional play was preserved after a coach"s challenge, and Grayson Allen"s absence due to ankle injuries has impacted the Suns" offense.
The Timberwolves" impressive defense, McDaniels" emergence, and the struggles of Booker and Allen have been significant factors in their 2-0 series lead.
The upcoming Game 3 will be held at the Footprint Center on Friday.
Fans reacted as follows:
Anthony Edwards sounded off on the Timberwolves' first-round matchup with the Suns 👇https://t.co/eBcEWZPEIk
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 15, 2024
The wolves were in the bonus damn near the entire game 😭the suns had 23 fouls to the wolves 19 💀
— Big O (Stinsons Shooting Supply) (@therealOStinson) April 15, 2024
Wolves literally doubled the suns in free throws lol
— Jaee (@JDOT3223) April 15, 2024
Always complaining about foul calls
— nittygrittysportstalk (@nittygritty410) April 15, 2024
Refs not calling fouls will only hurt the wolves lol
— 👑 (@TjKingColvin) April 15, 2024
Always mentioning fouls when he plays like this pic.twitter.com/7VDSTA8om2
— Ty 🐬 (@tyjamess_) April 15, 2024
Man got blown out and he’s still using the "refs" excuse like a sore loser. It’s always the same with him
— Eren Yeager's alt (@redk0va) April 15, 2024
Never seen a player blame refs as much as him. Stop making excuses and just play.
— BORN IN TEXAS RAISED IN IOWA (@tennessee6996) April 15, 2024
The stuff he was complaining about not getting all game AND the last time he played the suns are the things that don’t get called in the playoffs
— Nick (@itssnickk15) April 15, 2024
For those who missed it….https://t.co/LeOwjFMF5g
— Playoff Æ 🔥 (@Fwizzed) April 27, 2024
KAT finally hooked him up with the gorilla videos the league is COOKED😭🙏
— krilldude (@krilldude) April 27, 2024
I think what he said after that about not knowing because he hadn’t advanced before when asked about the potential sweep or playing Denver was better. I love this kid so much!
— Jesse (@silverindow) April 27, 2024
he has played so smart and under control compared to just the regular season. He does turn it up for the playoffs 🔥
— Perfectscore278706 (@Maximus62787) April 27, 2024
ANT: "I GOT TWO WORDS FOR YA" pic.twitter.com/83jC9HnCZj
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) April 27, 2024
