The top two teams in the West met for the final clash of the season. The Minnesota Timberwolves officially seized the best team status by pick-pocketing the top spot from the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 107-101 victory. Anthony Edwards delivered a stellar performance with 27 points, complemented by Karl-Anthony Towns’ 21 points and 10 rebounds. On the Thunder’s side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 37 points, while Jalen Williams added 20.
Despite the game’s success, it was not without its intense moments. During the fourth quarter, there were 11 lead changes between the two teams. Furthermore, the Thunder held the lead with less than 3 minutes remaining in the game. Amid the thrilling atmosphere, after the game concluded, Anthony Edwards was seen expressing his frustration regarding the referees. While dapping up Rudy Gobert, Edwards emphatically asserted, “Cheatin’ A** Refs” in an emotional aftermath.
Anthony Edwards postgame after the win against the Thunder:
"Cheatin' A** Refs" 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/xn9ESyM0aj
— Ahn Fire Digital (@AhnFireDigital) January 30, 2024
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Though specific incidents aren’t singled out from the game, narratives around Anthony Edwards revolve around missed calls. Frequently, his athleticism and strength make contact towards the basket appear inconspicuous, resulting in officials overlooking calls on Edwards. This echoes a sentiment reminiscent of the earlier days of LeBron James when a similar notion prevailed due to his ability to power through contact effortlessly.
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Adding to Edwards’ frustrations is the recurrence of offensive fouls called against him during several of his powerful slam dunks. One notably famous instance occurred when he posterized Gabe Vincent of the Miami Heat. Furthermore, in one of the most recent incidents, Edwards executed a fierce slam against the Golden State Warriors, driving in from the baseline.
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Anthony Edwards continues his battle with the refs
In the Wolves’ previous matchup against OKC, they suffered just their second loss at home. The game saw a dramatic moment when Edwards missed three consecutive free throws that could have potentially leveled the game. Post-game, Edwards exhibited a stern stance against the referees, echoing the sentiments of today. He implied that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander receives favorable calls, stating, “You can’t touch him any time of the game,” insinuating officiating in Alexander’s favor.
Following the recent victory, Edwards reiterated the same discontent, claiming that the Wolves did not receive enough foul calls and had to endure physical challenges without adequate whistles. Moreover, he boldly asserted that he would be fine with facing fines from the league for criticizing referees.
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In the recent win, the Wolves earned 15 trips to the charity stripe, while OKC had 22 opportunities. Considering the Wolves’ more aggressive drives to the paint, Edwards’ comments may stem from genuine frustration with what he perceives as uneven officiating.