After a heartbreaking Game 4 loss, the Minnesota Timberwolves are down 3-1. In Game 4, Anthony Edwards struggled, scoring 16 points on 5-13 shooting while committing five turnovers. The Timberwolves got incredible production from their supporting cast, especially Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jaden McDaniels, and Donte DiVincenzo, in Game 4.
However, their lack of star production from Edwards and Julius Randle hurt the Timberwolves. Conversely, the Oklahoma City Thunder's stars all performed at an elite level. With the series on the line, the Timberwolves need a monster night from Edwards.
Ant needs to step up
Facing the league's best defense has undoubtedly been challenging for Edwards. However, some of his struggles have stemmed from a lack of aggression; in Game 4, he shot just two field goals in the first half. Your best player needs to be more aggressive than that.
After being too passive in the first half, Edwards seemed to force the issue a bit too much, taking several diffcult shots. Additionally, he made some poor turnovers throughout the game. Turnovers have plagued the Wolves as a team throughout the series. Game 4 saw Edwards post his fifth-lowest usage of the season, and he had a game-worst -7.2 net score via GeniusIQ. Yes, OKC's defense deserves a ton of credit, but Ant simply has to be better. He needs to be agressive yet intentional.
In Games 2 and 3, Edwards seemed to have figured out the Thunder's defense. Edwards scored 32 and 30 points in these games, respectively. He also had exactly nine rebounds and six assists in both of these games. Notably, Edwards' Game 2 was a bounce-back performance after a lackluster Game 1. Time and again, Edwards has proven that he can respond after bad games, and he'll need to do just that in Game 5.
While it's awesome to get production from role players, stars also need to play at an elite level. Edwards has shown the ability to do that in the playoffs throughout his career. However, for half of this series, that ability hasn't been displayed, and it's hurt Minnesota. The Wolves are a different team when Edwards is scoring at a high rate.
Edwards' play is key to the Wolves' success
In games where Edwards has scored 30 or more points this playoffs, the Timberwolves have a 4-1 record. Furthermore, in the regular season, they had a 20-6 record in these games. On the flip side, when Edwards scores below 20 points, the Wolves have a 1-2 record in the playoffs and a 3-7 record in the regular season. Taking care of the ball will also be key for Edwards; the Wolves have a combined record of 9-11 when he commits five or more turnovers.
In Game 5, Edwards must respond with a big game, or the Wolves' season will be over. If Edwards can step up, and the Timberwolves can continue getting production out of their supporting cast, they'll be in a good spot to win. As mentioned earlier, the key is for Edwards to be aggressive but also make the right decisions. Luckily for the Wolves, Edwards has proven he can perform in big moments. Ultimately, in a star-driven league, your stars must perform at an elite level.