Anthony Edwards drops 43, Timberwolves steal Game 1 in Denver

May 5, 2024, 3:30 a.m. Sports

Anthony Edwards drops 43, Timberwolves steal Game 1 in Denver

The Minnesota Timberwolves stunned the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series as rookie sensation Anthony Edwards put on a show, dropping a career-high 43 points to lead his team to a thrilling 125-118 victory on the road at the Ball Arena in Denver.

Edwards, the number one overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, displayed his scoring prowess and clutch gene as he erupted for a playoff career-best performance in just his first postseason game. The young guard was unstoppable, shooting 16-of-25 from the field, including 5-of-9 from beyond the arc, and connecting on 6-of-7 free throws. Edwards also contributed with 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals, showcasing his versatility and impact on both ends of the floor.

The Timberwolves came out with a sense of urgency and energy from the opening tip, setting the tone early in the game with their aggressive defense and unselfish ball movement. Karl-Anthony Towns, the Wolves' All-Star center, had a strong showing with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists, providing a steady presence in the paint and playing a crucial role in the team's success.

The Nuggets, led by MVP candidate Nikola Jokic, tried to mount a comeback in the second half, but the Timberwolves' resilience and determination proved to be too much to handle. Jokic finished with a triple-double, tallying 35 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists, but his efforts were not enough to overcome the Timberwolves' balanced scoring attack and solid defense.

The Timberwolves' bench also made a significant impact, with Malik Beasley and D'Angelo Russell contributing 15 and 12 points, respectively, providing valuable scoring off the bench and helping maintain the team's lead throughout the game.

Head coach Chris Finch praised his team's effort and execution in Game 1, emphasizing the importance of playing with intensity and focus on both ends of the floor. "We knew coming into this series that we had to be aggressive and play our style of basketball, and that's exactly what we did tonight," Finch said in a post-game interview. "Anthony [Edwards] was phenomenal, but it was a total team effort. We know that this is just the first step, and we need to stay locked in and continue to play at a high level to have success in this series."

The Timberwolves' victory in Game 1 not only gives them a 1-0 lead in the series but also sends a message to the rest of the league that they are a force to be reckoned with. With a young and talented core led by Edwards and Towns, the Timberwolves have the potential to make a deep playoff run and cause problems for any opponent they face.

As the series shifts back to Minnesota for Game 2, the Timberwolves will look to build on their momentum and continue their strong play against the Nuggets. The team's confidence is sky-high, and with Edwards leading the way, the sky's the limit for this up-and-coming squad. The Timberwolves have made a statement with their Game 1 victory, and now the pressure is on the Nuggets to respond as the series progresses.