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LOS ANGELES (AP)— It appears that Anthony Edwards, the star player for the Minnesota Timberwolves, is facing a probable one-game suspension following his ejection and subsequent acquisition of his 16th technical foul of the season during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday evening.
In addition to the suspension, Edwards may also incur a fine for tossing the ball into the stands post-ejection.
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch commented on Edwards’ behavior after their 111-102 defeat, stating, “He needs to improve. He’s had too many emotional outbursts, and while I think a number of them are warranted, he’s got to control himself.” Finch acknowledged that there are indeed missed calls during the game and noted that they have been addressing this issue with Edwards. “Ultimately, it’s his responsibility,” Finch added.
According to crew chief James Williams, in a report shared with the media, Edwards received his second technical foul for using foul language directed at an official. He was displeased after believing that Lakers guard Gabe Vincent should have been penalized for a blocking foul while Edwards attempted to drive to the basket.
However, Finch defended Edwards by expressing his view that a foul should have been called. “That was a blocking foul. Just call it a block, and there’s no issue,” he remarked. “Beyond that, I’m not entirely sure what transpired in terms of the comments made. But it was clearly a block right in my line of sight.”
At the time of Edwards’ ejection, the Timberwolves were behind 74-59 with 5:21 left in the third quarter. They managed to narrow the gap to three points midway through the fourth but ultimately lost the game.
As per NBA regulations, a player receives a one-game suspension after accumulating 16 technical fouls within a single season. For every additional two technical fouls incurred, the suspension extends by an additional game.
The Timberwolves are set to play against Utah on Friday night.
Before the second quarter commenced, both Los Angeles’ Jarred Vanderbilt and Edwards were assessed technical fouls for engaging in a shoving match at the end of the first quarter.
Edwards, ranking fourth in the league with an average of 27.3 points per game, scored 18 points over 26 minutes on the court.
