The Timberwolves fans were roaring with excitement, watching Anthony Edwards slam it with one of the best in-game dunks ever. Minnesota was playing in the Delta Center against the Utah Jazz and Edwards was on fire. However, amidst the frenzy the Jazz’s forward, John Collins, got one to the face following the brilliant dunk from the Ant-Man.
Collins encountered an injury after Edwards’ off-hand made contact with his face after the play. He returned to the locker room to be evaluated for concussion and did not return.
John Collins – will not return (evaluating for a concussion)
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 19, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In a report on Collins’ situation following the incident, Shams Charania of The Athletic tweeted that he suffered a “head contusion” but no “concussion”. Collins is averaging 14.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game this season.
Utah's John Collins has suffered a head contusion from play contesting Anthony Edwards' poster dunk tonight, sources say. Head injury but no concussion for Collins.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 19, 2024
It was during the third quarter when the remarkable dunk took to the court. Nickeil-Alexander Walker fed the ball to Edwards who was driving to the basket at full speed. He jumped over Collins to knock the ball down, leading to a flurry of runs to the locker room. The man of the hour quickly went to check out an apparent injury to the finger. And we all know what followed with John Collins.
If that wasn’t enough, a Mike Conley and Keyonte George collision left the latter running to the locker room. He seemed to have hurt his hand badly. Aside from the injuries, the T-Wolves defeated the Jazz in what was their second straight home game.
The Wolves finish the Jazz despite a depleted frontcourt
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The two team’s last matchup saw Minnesota finish 119-100. Tonight, the Jazz seemed to have put up a tougher fight, but once again, lost 104-114. On the Wolves’ part, they are already dealing with the absence of key players – Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns, and today’s match, probably Naz Reid.
Reid, who took the place of Gobert, exited the game after the first half and did not return due to a head injury. He was on a streak, scoring 17 points in 17 minutes of game time along with four rebounds before he left the floor. But that didn’t stop Anthony Edwards and Co. from blazing through. The former No. 1 overall pick took up the offense in Reid’s absence.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He finished the night with 32 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. Very close to a triple-double or at the least, a double-double. Not to mention, he probably just made the case for the dunk of the year in the third quarter ending in a dislocated finger.
It is the third straight win for the Minnesota Timberwolves as they take on Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets on Tuesday. It will be a crucial game as they are currently tied with the defending champs in the West standings. What do you think the result will be? Can they manage to stand their ground as they host the Nuggets? Or will Denver’s loss push them to take advantage of a tired and shorthanded Wolves? Let us know your thoughts below!