The Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, struggled to overcome a slow start to Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. With their entire season on the line, in the most important game, they lost, 124-94.
Edwards managed to lead the sixth-seeded Timberwolves on an unlikely path. He eliminated veterans like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and even Kevin Durant to reach here. Yet, suffered a blowout at the hands of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Anthony Edwards’s Euphoria Moment Fades Away
Edwards finished one of the most crucial games of his career with 19 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and a block. In 39 minutes on the court, he shot 7-of-18 from the field and 1-of-7 from beyond the arc. His best efforts could not be replicated into success.
Speaking to the media after the game, Edwards was rather blunt. He said, “They came ready to play; we didn’t. When you lose a game like this, there’s not really too much to break down. They just did what they’re supposed to do and win the game.”
He followed, “Umm, they dominated the game from the tip… They came ready, man. So, good job by them.”
“They came ready to play we didn’t… They dominated the game from the tip.” 🗣️
Ant reflects on a blowout loss to OKC in Game 5. pic.twitter.com/Db8xOHULYJ
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 29, 2025
And it wasn’t just him who was upset. The entire team, including Mike Conley, was visibly frustrated with the loss, despite showing a brave face. In the same post-game pressers, Edwards couldn’t help but show compassion for his teammates, Conley in particular.
“I’m hurt, more so than for myself, for Mike [Conley]. I came up short for Mike. We tried last year, but we couldn’t get it. We tried this year, and we’re going to try again next year. Hurting is a terrible word to use. I’m good”, said Edwards.
Both were seen praising Thunder’s defense in the press conference later.
Edwards Dedicates The Summer to Mike Conley
Edwards has taken it personally that his 37-year-old teammate, Mike Conley, has never been to the NBA Finals. This time around, he’s made it a point to help him reach there. He’s ready to pour in all the hard work, starting this summer.
“I’m gonna work my butt off this summer,” Edwards said. “Nobody’s gonna work harder than me this summer, I’ll tell you that much. I’ll try to make it happen again for Mike.”
Despite a great post-season run, this was the 18th time Conley was so close to the finals, yet lost the chance to get there.
He’s been a reliable force as a point guard and a floor general for the Timberwolves. About a decade ago, Conley was almost an All-Star for the Memphis Grizzlies, back when they were a major threat to everyone. This was the Grizzlies’ “grit and grind” era, which helped them reach the Conference Finals in 2013. After that, they too had difficulty tasting success.
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Edwards is just 23 years old and has plenty of scope for improvement. He’s been spectacular so far, despite this loss to the OKC. But if he puts in more consistency, especially regarding his shooting proficiency, he might carry his team, including Conley, to a championship.
