The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Orlando Magic played their second game of the season, with the first one witnessing a Timberwolves’ howl. The game saw a charged-up atmosphere, especially between the previous games’ high scorers, Karl-Anthony Towns and Paolo Banchero. However, with Minnesota recently securing the top spot in the West, Anthony Edwards has emerged as their standout player.
With the same intensity that propelled the Timberwolves to the summit, Edwards led the charge in a commanding 38-26 first quarter. Unfortunately, midway through the second quarter, his impact took an abrupt turn as he collided with Wendell Carter Jr., forcing him to exit the game immediately.
Edwards, after his 8 first-quarter points, faced an abrupt scoring halt in the second. Eager to maintain his dominance, Ant skillfully maneuvered past Franz Wagner on the arc, executing a swift euro step to evade Wendell Carter Jr. However, in the process, Wendell’s attempt to defend accidentally turned out to be a collision, resulting in Ant twisting his ankle. The game came to an immediate stop as Edwards, in visible pain, headed to the locker room, hopping against his injured right ankle.
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Anthony Edwards heads off to the locker room after knocking knees with someone.
— Chris Hine (@ChristopherHine) February 3, 2024
Surprisingly, Anthony Edwards, after sitting out the remainder of the first half, made a dramatic return to the court. Jogging out of the locker room, he was spotted warming up with a skipping rope and wasted no time getting back into the game. Although he missed his initial shot (3-ball) in the third quarter, Edwards seemed fully prepared and eager to play.
Anthony Edwards was recently fined $40,000
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In the game where the Timberwolves seized the top seed in the West from the Oklahoma City Thunder, Edwards, despite the victory, directed taunting remarks at the referees. Expressing his bewilderment over how the Wolves endured, he squarely blamed the refs for not awarding enough calls to his team.
Read More – “Cheating A** Refs”: Anthony Edwards Erupts With Wild Reaction after OKC Win
Moreover, in a defiant tone, he declared his willingness to accept any fine imposed by the NBA, stating, “I’m going to take the fine because the refs did not give us any calls tonight” during a post-game interview. Furthermore, he cited the refs for “cheating” during his celebratory moments with Rudy Gobert. The game, featuring over 20 lead changes, showcased the intense atmosphere in the arena.
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However, the NBA took swift action, imposing a $40,000 fine on Edwards for repeatedly criticizing the officiating in public. Edwards has faced fines for his comments on officials before. However, this time, it is the biggest penalty any player has incurred this season.
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