Public Frustrations: Where Did It Go Wrong Between Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves?

The Minnesota Timberwolves, a team that reached the Western Conference Finals just a season ago, have become one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA this season. With a 14-14 record, they currently sit at 10th in the Western Conference. Their recent struggles were epitomized by a 104-117 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, which extended their losing streak to three games. At the heart of the team’s frustrations is its young star, Anthony Edwards, whose recent performance has left fans and analysts questioning what went wrong.

Edwards’ Struggles in Recent Games

In the loss to the Hawks, Edwards delivered one of his worst performances of the season. He shot just 7-for-20 from the field, including 1-for-7 from three-point range, and managed only 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists while committing 5 turnovers. His -23 plus-minus was the lowest on the team. In the fourth quarter, Edwards scored just 2 points and was thoroughly outplayed by Trae Young, who sealed the game with two clutch three-pointers.

This wasn’t an isolated incident. In the Timberwolves’ two previous losses, Edwards also struggled to find his rhythm:

• In a 103-113 defeat to the Warriors, he shot 6-for-20 and scored 19 points with 7 rebounds and 5 assists.
• In a 107-133 blowout loss to the Knicks, he managed just 17 points on 7-for-16 shooting, along with 5 rebounds and 7 assists.

During this three-game skid, Edwards has averaged only 17.3 points per game on 35.7% shooting from the field and 32.0% from beyond the arc—well below his usual standards.

Season Performance: Improvements and Setbacks

Looking at Edwards’ performance over the entire season, the numbers suggest a mixed bag. He’s currently averaging 25.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, with shooting splits of 44.4% from the field, 41.4% from three, and 80.7% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage (57.7%) is virtually identical to last season’s (57.5%).

However, compared to last year, some aspects of his game have regressed:

• Last season, Edwards averaged 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, with shooting splits of 46.1%/35.7%/83.6%.
• His finishing at the rim has declined significantly. Shots within 5 feet of the basket accounted for 30.6% of his attempts last season, with a 64.7% conversion rate. This year, those numbers have dropped to 21.8% of attempts and a 57.7% success rate.
• His mid-range game has also suffered. From 10-14 feet, his shooting percentage has plummeted from 42.9% last season to just 28.6% this year.

A Systemic Issue?

Edwards’ struggles may not simply be a matter of personal decline. The changes in the Timberwolves’ roster and offensive system appear to have played a significant role. Last season, the team benefitted from the presence of Karl-Anthony Towns, one of the best floor-spacing big men in the league. Towns’ ability to stretch the floor created driving lanes for Edwards to exploit.

This season, Towns has been replaced by Julius Randle, who, despite his offensive skills, doesn’t provide the same level of spacing. The addition of Rudy Gobert, a defensive anchor but a non-factor offensively, further clogs the paint. With Jaden McDaniels shooting just 32% from three, defenses are collapsing into the paint and limiting Edwards’ ability to attack the rim.

After a recent loss to the Knicks, Edwards voiced his frustrations:
“When I drive to the basket, there are four guys waiting for me. Sorry, man, I just can’t get through.”

Edwards also took accountability for the team’s offensive struggles, saying:
“We don’t have an identity on offense. We all know I’m going to take a lot of shots, Randle’s going to take a lot of shots, but that’s all we know. This isn’t about the coach; this is on us as players.”

The Bigger Picture

The Timberwolves’ offensive efficiency has dropped significantly this season. Last year, they ranked 17th in the league with a 114.6 offensive rating. This season, they’ve fallen to 23rd with a 110.3 offensive rating. Meanwhile, their defense, which was a league-best last season with a 108.4 defensive rating, has slipped to sixth place at 108.6.

These struggles underscore the impact of the team’s offseason decisions. Trading away Towns, along with key role players like Kyle Anderson, has left the roster unbalanced and struggling to maximize Edwards’ strengths.

What’s Next for the Timberwolves?

The Timberwolves desperately need a player who can complement Edwards’ game—a floor-spacing big man who can also defend the paint and unlock Gobert’s defensive potential. Ironically, Towns seems like the perfect candidate for that role. Since being traded to the Knicks, Towns has thrived, averaging 24.7 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on elite shooting splits of 53.7%/45.6%/84.1% (65.7% true shooting). The Knicks, now 19-10 and sitting third in the Eastern Conference, look like one of the league’s most balanced teams, while the Timberwolves are struggling to stay in the play-in mix.

It’s hard not to wonder how Minnesota’s front office feels seeing Towns flourish in New York while their own team struggles. Edwards, once the clear-cut franchise player, now finds himself questioning the team’s direction. As the season progresses, the Timberwolves must find answers—fast—or risk losing the trust of their budding superstar.