Following the Minnesota Timberwolves victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, second-year guard Anthony Edwards spoke about the team’s mindset coming into the game and how they prepared for the inevitable onslaught from phenom Giannis Antetokounmpo.
"“We came in here like, ‘s*** why not, why can’t we sneak one?’… We came here with the mindset that we was gonna win no matter what.” – Anthony Edwards told the media following the Timberwolves win, where he scored 25 points on 9-24 shooting."
For reference, the Minnesota Timberwolves are now 3-1 on the season, having only lost to the New Orleans Pelicans earlier this week. With the emergence of the Wolves’ big three and the addition of braggadocious guard Patrick Beverley, the Timberwolves are playing with a swagger every night, and judging by Edwards’ comments, they clearly feel capable of winning every game.
That’s what elite teams do, and they enter every contest expecting to win. And while the Minnesota Timberwolves are by no means an elite team (yet), their mindset allows them to play without doubt, which ensures heads don’t drop when a team goes on an inevitable scoring run.
That confidence, coupled with a belief in their own offensive abilities, is what provided a platform for the Timberwolves to overcome a 40 point, 16 rebounds, and seven assist night from Giannis.
"“With a guy like that, you can’t stress about him scoring. That’s what he’s gonna do. ************’s 7’2″, 280 pounds. Ain’t nothing you can do. We could put four people on him and he’s still gonna score the ball.” Edwards explained to the media when asked about Giannis’ impact on the offensive end."
A mentality to focus on the next possession is something the Timberwolves didn’t possess last season and is something most young, developing teams struggle to figure out. So, when you hear a second-year player talking in this manner, you have every reason to get excited for what’s to come from this unit. There are not many sterner tests than facing the reigning NBA Champions and having a two-time MVP drop 40 on you! And to navigate the emotional highs and lows of such a contest while still finishing the game with a W is the type of emotional growth we’ve been waiting for as the Wolves’ have rebuilt and modernized their roster.
It’s still early in the season, and plenty of ups and downs await. Still, if the Timberwolves can harness the resiliency displayed in Wednesday’s victory, then they will be serious contenders for a playoff spot at the end of the season.