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MINNEAPOLIS (AP)— Despite the progress that the Minnesota Timberwolves have achieved since selecting Anthony Edwards as the first overall pick five years ago, and transforming from a struggling franchise into a team that consistently advances in the playoffs, a clear gap persists between them and an NBA championship.
Reaching the last two Western Conference finals—especially this past spring following an unexpected roster shuffle right before training camp and dealing with various injuries throughout the season—was a notable feat. The last team to appear in back-to-back finals was the Golden State Warriors in 2018 and 2019.
In just under two months, Edwards will celebrate his 24th birthday, marking the beginning of his prime as a superstar, supported by a team of role players in their mid-20s. However, the Timberwolves’ five-game defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder raised important questions about their ability to overcome two more barriers to secure their first championship.
“I promise you, nobody will work harder than me this summer,” Edwards declared after suffering a 30-point loss on Wednesday that concluded the series in five games.
Edwards’s dedication during the offseason has never been in doubt. He achieved personal bests during the 2024-25 season, recording an average of 27.6 points per game, with a 3-point shooting percentage of 39.5 and a free-throw shooting percentage of 83.7, all while appearing in 79 out of 82 games. He also led the league with 320 made 3-pointers, missing only nine games over five seasons.
Nevertheless, the Thunder—who boasted the best defense in the NBA—presented a significant challenge. Edwards was just 6-for-31 from beyond the arc during the four losses and fell short of 20 points in three of those games. Although he found ways to penetrate the defense and assist teammates, the disparity between his production and that of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was glaring. The MVP outshone Edwards with a tally of 157-115, had 116-87 more field goal attempts, and drew 51-32 more free throw attempts.
still hungry.pic.twitter.com/91n9gYGzlr
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves)May 29, 2025
“Clearly, he needs to adapt to that level of physicality and constant contact. They made things very difficult for him,” said Coach Chris Finch. “I thought he made the right decisions for much of the series, which is something we emphasize with him. We definitely need him to be more assertive. He must find some easier scoring opportunities, and I have to support him in that.”
Edwards also contributed to the overall decline in defensive effectiveness and intensity for the Timberwolves, who had previously led the league in defensive metrics during the 2023-24 season. While they dropped from first to sixth in defensive rating for 2024-25, they still managed to limit the Los Angeles Lakers to under 100 points in three out of five games in the first round, as well as the Warriors in the second.
However, against the Thunder, the situation was different, with their steal-happy defense punishing Edwards, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid for over-dribbling in tight coverage.
“Fifteen puppets on one string,” Edwards marveled at the Thunder’s defensive execution.
Despite three of their starters—Mike Conley, Rudy Gobert, and Randle—being over 30 years old, the Timberwolves’ mid-20s core, including Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, and Donte DiVincenzo, struggled with consistent discipline and focus in executing their game plans.
big summer for the rook.pic.twitter.com/JLv76mbb69
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves)May 29, 2025
“I think it’s crucial for each individual to heighten their commitment,” Conley said on Thursday during exit interviews at the team facility. “That might mean digging deeper into studying the game, seeking more individual guidance, and leveraging the knowledge of those around them to better understand specific concepts and aspects of the game.”
The eight-player rotation Finch hesitated to expand is expected to change, with Terrence Shannon Jr. appearing poised for increased playing time in the backcourt, alongside hopes for Rob Dillingham and Jaylen Clark. Nickeil Alexander-Walker will be an unrestricted free agent, opening up a possible spot on the roster.
Additionally, the frontcourt presents a complex contract dilemma, as both Randle and Reid have options for the upcoming season that they could decline in favor of more lucrative long-term deals. Reid indicated he is likely to opt out, stating his desire to be a starter.
“However, if you want to be part of a winning team,” Reid noted, “there may be times you need to make sacrifices.”
