3 surefire events, 2 surprises that may happen in Wolves-Lakers Play-In match up
By Bret Stuter
Surprise II: Look for Anthony Edwards to have a breakout game
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been driven by the steady drive and production of NBA All-Star shooting guard Anthony Edwards this season. In an 82 games gauntlet of an NBA season, Edwards has answered the bell for the team 79 times, despite injuries to his hip and his ankle this season.
In his games against the Los Angeles Lakers this season, Anthony Edwards has performed:
Game 1 – Oct 28: 38 minutes, 29 points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal
Game 2 – Mar 3: 36 minutes, 19 points, five rebounds, two assists, two blocks, four steals
Game 3 – Mar 31: 38 minutes, 11 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal
As you can see, his latest outing fell a bit below his norm and was likely impacted by the residual pain of his injured ankle. The Timberwolves consistently put up points, but in the final matchup, the team was unable to shut down the reenergized Lakers roster.
Here’s who took the most shots in the clutch this season and what their EFG% was on those shots…
— NBA University (@NBA_University) April 10, 2023
What stands out? pic.twitter.com/2mCUiDmUXR
Don’t look for that to happen again.
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Edwards is the catalyst for both sides of the Minnesota Timberwolves team. Not only does he set the tone in terms of scoring, but he is also the pace car in terms of how aggressively the Timberwolves play on defense. Curiously, the NBA Playoffs allow for a bit more physicality and defense to keep the flow of the game going. And that is right up Edwards’ alley.
Edwards has shown steady and impressive growth in each of his three NBA seasons. But he needs to put up a statement game, a performance that makes eyes pop and jaws drop. That could happen against the Lakers.