Coach Fernandez Takes Responsibility for Anthony Edwards Close Call as Timberwolves Secure Fourth Straight Win

NEW YORK (AP) — Jordi Fernandez, head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, accepted responsibility for the injury scare involving Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards during the Nets’ defeat to the Timberwolves, with a score of 105-90 on Thursday night.

“I was out of bounds and trying to get out of the way,” Fernandez acknowledged. “I need to be quicker in those moments. The health of the players is paramount, so I have to be more agile in the future.”

Fortunately, Edwards appeared to avoid a serious injury, ending the game with 28 points and five rebounds as the Timberwolves secured their fourth consecutive victory.

The incident occurred when Edwards unintentionally stepped back onto Fernandez’s foot while attempting a 3-pointer late in the second quarter. He was briefly assisted off the court but returned to play at the start of the second half.

The Timberwolves are among several teams vying for a top-six finish in the Western Conference, aiming to steer clear of the play-in tournament, and losing Edwards would be a significant setback for them.

The three-time All-Star has been instrumental for Minnesota this season, especially after the offseason trade of Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks. Prior to Thursday’s matchup, Edwards was enjoying a career-high average of 27.3 points per game.