NBA Hits Anthony Edwards with Another Fine – The Timberwolves Are Changing, and the League’s Top Giant Slayer Emerges

Anthony Edwards, affectionately known as “Ant,” has once again found himself in hot water with the NBA. The Timberwolves' rising star was fined $25,000 after using explicit language during a nationally televised interview following Minnesota’s 107-90 victory over the Golden State Warriors on December 7. Edwards had been cheering on Carson Beck, the quarterback for his alma mater, the University of Georgia, but his choice of words proved costly.

This is not the first time Edwards has faced disciplinary action this season. Less than two weeks earlier, the league fined him $35,000 for making an obscene gesture—flipping off fans during a heated game against the Sacramento Kings. Altogether, Edwards has lost $60,000 to fines, an amount he jokingly remarked could have gone toward supporting his “many kids from different mothers.” Nevertheless, with a hefty $42.18 million salary this season, the fines are little more than a drop in the bucket for the Timberwolves’ young leader.

The Turning Point

Interestingly, Edwards' earlier incident and subsequent fine on November 28 may have been a blessing in disguise for the Timberwolves. That night, after Minnesota’s narrow 130-126 victory over the Kings, Edwards reportedly addressed internal team tensions head-on, bringing issues to the surface that many believe were hindering the team’s chemistry. What followed was a four-game winning streak during which the Timberwolves took down powerhouse teams like the Lakers, Clippers, and Warriors.

Despite the recent loss in their rematch with the Warriors (114-106), Edwards and the Timberwolves have shown glimpses of their potential. However, inconsistency remains a problem. With a 12-11 record, Minnesota currently sits ninth in the Western Conference, a stark contrast to their impressive run to the Western Conference Finals last season. There’s a sense that the Timberwolves are still searching for their stride, but if they can build on their recent progress, they could once again become a dangerous playoff contender.

A Breakout Season for Edwards

Amid the team’s struggles, Edwards has emerged as a bright spot. The 22-year-old guard is averaging a career-high 26.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game this season. His most notable improvement has been in his three-point shooting. Edwards is hitting 4.5 three-pointers per game at an impressive 42.7% clip, ranking second in the league in made threes, trailing only LaMelo Ball (4.7 per game).

This leap in perimeter shooting is a significant jump from last season when Edwards made just 2.4 threes per game on 35.7% shooting. Many credit his offseason stint with Team USA at the FIBA World Cup for his newfound confidence and precision. Though his tournament averages of 12.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists weren’t eye-popping, his 48% shooting from beyond the arc seemed to unlock a new level in his game.

The Timberwolves’ Role in a Wild Western Conference

The Western Conference has been a whirlwind this season, with established powerhouses faltering and young upstarts making waves. The Timberwolves, sitting at 12-11, are one of several teams battling for playoff positioning. Currently, the top nine teams in the West include the Thunder, Grizzlies, Rockets, Mavericks, Warriors, Clippers, Nuggets, Lakers, and Timberwolves, with the Spurs hot on their heels.

One of the most intriguing stories is the resurgence of the Memphis Grizzlies. After a rough 2022-23 season plagued by injuries and inconsistency, Memphis has returned to its dominant form, climbing to second place in the conference with a 21-5 record. The Grizzlies, who finished second in the West in both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, are once again proving they belong among the league’s elite.

Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets, led by Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün, have emerged as a legitimate playoff contender, showcasing their growth and resilience in a hyper-competitive conference.

For the Timberwolves, this season’s Western Conference standings underscore the importance of finding consistency. Edwards’ continued evolution as a leader and go-to scorer will be critical as the team navigates a crowded playoff race.

Edwards vs. Booker: A Tale of Two Stars

Edwards' stellar play has only magnified the struggles of another Western Conference star: Devin Booker. After an electrifying 2022-23 season and a strong showing for Team USA in Paris this summer, Booker has struggled to find his rhythm with the Phoenix Suns this year. Averaging 24.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists on subpar shooting splits of 43.2% from the field and 33.5% from three, Booker’s numbers are a far cry from his All-NBA form of seasons past.

The Suns, who were once considered contenders, have slipped to 10th in the West following a three-game losing streak. Without Kevin Durant, who is sidelined with an injury, Booker and Bradley Beal have been unable to carry the load, leaving the Suns just half a game ahead of the surging Spurs.

Looking Ahead

For Edwards and the Timberwolves, the road ahead remains challenging but full of opportunity. The 22-year-old has not only cemented himself as one of the league’s premier scorers but also as a burgeoning leader capable of elevating his team. Despite recent setbacks, there’s a sense that Minnesota is on the verge of turning a corner.

As the Timberwolves work to climb the Western Conference standings, Edwards’ continued growth will be the key to their success. Whether they can translate potential into sustained performance remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Anthony Edwards is no longer just a rising star—he’s a full-fledged giant slayer, ready to take on the league’s biggest names.