At 3-0, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ season was nearing its end. It was evident with the performance of some of the players in Game 4, who at times looked to be going through the motions, resigned to the notion that this is the end of the road. Karl Anthony-Towns also fouled out with less than three minutes left in overtime.

Anthony Edwards, though never got the memo.

The drives, the big shots, and the no-quit mentality were on full display and while the Denver Nuggets’ talent helped them rally, Edwards was on another level today. With Towns bogged down by fouls and some hesitancy and Rudy Gobert going all over the place, the Nuggets defense focused on Edwards as the game went on. Aaron Gordon was a frequent defender one-on-one, but double-teams proved futile especially when he got into a rhythm.

Time and time again, Edwards has validated his selection as the first overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft thanks to the heights he has taken the Wolves to and the improvement in his game. There are those that still view Towns as a franchise cornerstone, but Edwards only gave further credence to the adage that the NBA, and perhaps basketball in general, is a perimeter-oriented league. It doesn’t mean that it will be a Towns vs Edwards narrative, but perhaps the latter is the more crucial piece offensively even if it would be fun to run things through the former.

Over the course of three seasons, Edwards has been the more consistent player who has done more damage to opponents. Not only can he score in various ways, but he can work with teammates to create for either himself or his teammates. When Edwards is missing offensively, Minnesota’s chances sink and his teammates have to work harder for their own shots, whereas the Wolves have more or less learned how to work around the times when Towns goes missing. Game 4 was in itself, a prime example, as Minnesota head coach Chris Finch had to delicately balance keeping Edwards on the court while ensuring he gets to rest as well.  

Try as Edwards might, though, their fate is sealed. The Wolves will more likely than not fail to advance past the first round of the postseason for almost two decades. NBA teams have never recovered from a 3-0 playoff series deficit and though technically possible, it’s a herculean task that will require a number of things to work in their favor. Nevertheless, the former Georgia Bulldog will approach it as if nothing is impossible and that kind of mindset has produced the results that have earned him the respect of his peers and those following the league.

For what it’s worth, though, Minnesota should adopt their star’s mindset, as they’re at the stage where building winning habits is more important than stockpiling assets and pieces to build around Edwards and Towns. The Wolves are a loaded squad and they can win; they just need to learn how to win and consistently at that. After all, internal issues nearly derailed their season.

Game 5 will be another opportunity to grow as a team as they will enter a hostile environment that definitely will feed into their opponents’ energy. The approach to getting Denver’s frontcourt into foul trouble and letting them fall in love with the perimeter was crucial in keeping the game close, and Edwards should keep attacking. He and the rest of Minnesota should keep their turnovers in check, as the 11 they had in Game 4 was an underrated and laudable feat. More turnovers would only mean more opportunities for the Nuggets to run, and that would mean bad news for the Wolves.

The Minnesota Timberwolves may have felt down and out after falling behind 3-0, but Anthony Edwards will keep fighting until the final buzzer from here on out. It’s nothing short of admirable, and even if the road may end here this season, the lessons from this postseason will definitely carry on to the next.