Timberwolves player grades from California road trip
By Will Eudy
Anthony Edwards
The two-game California road trip represented Anthony Edwards’ first two appearances back on the floor since missing three contests due to the ankle injury he suffered in Chicago on March 17. As a result, he did not necessarily look like the player we have watched all season.
Scoring 13 and 17 points on low efficiency in his return to action for the Timberwolves is certainly subpar, but not completely unexpected. Thankfully, Karl-Anthony Towns has been able to shoulder some of the scoring load while Edwards ramps back up.
Even while looking a bit more sluggish than usual, Ant has knocked down some big shots and looked to be back to his usual self as a passer against the Kings. His return to a high level of play will be essential for Minnesota down the stretch.
Grade: C+
Mike Conley
So far, it has been a dream fit between Mike Conley and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The veteran presence of Conley has been absolutely huge for this group, with his leadership manifesting itself both on and off the court.
Conley has looked like the perfect floor general for this squad, with Rudy Gobert appearing far more comfortable next to him than he was with D’Angelo Russell. Conley may not be quite the gunner that D’Lo is offensively, but his shot-making has been timely and his decisions with the ball have helped the Timberwolves in crunch time.
Against the Warriors, Conley’s four three-point makes were absolutely huge. His clutch buckets down the stretch versus the Kings were big in helping seal the win as well.
Grade: B+
Jaden McDaniels
After dealing with foul trouble at Golden State and picking up five personal fouls in just 10 minutes of action, Jaden McDaniels had a fantastic bounce-back performance in Sacramento on Monday. Putting up 20 points on 53% shooting, he showed once again how much easier scoring is coming for him.
His high-flying dunk in the second half was one of the most memorable highlights of the game. Defensively, McDaniels was his usual self, picking up a couple of steals and frustrating talented opponents like De’Aaron Fox. He would have easily earned an A here if not for his limited playing time against the Warriors.
Grade: B