In Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ championship ambitions were crushed as they were defeated 103-124 by the Dallas Mavericks. The Wolves lost the ball 4-1 against 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists efforts from their star player, Anthony Edwards. In a strange turn of events, sports analyst Skip Bayless, who initially took jabs at Edwards, proceeded to have a change of heart.

Following the Timberwolves’ loss, Bayless took to Twitter and wrote, “Too often tonight, he was Can’t Man,” a harsh pun on Anthony’s nickname, ANT-man. Reactions to the tweet were divided; many thought it was unfair to single out Edwards, who had been Minnesota’s best player the entire series. A few hours later, Bayless made a dramatic shift in opinion during an episode of ‘Undisputed.’ Skip felt that Ant-Man “made that team what it was.”

He described Edwards as “a very special kid” and noted his stellar four-year NBA career which included 26 playoff games. Referring to him as the “next face of the league,” Bayless compared his athletic ability to that of Michael Jordan. A comparison that has been made time and again in ANT’s career. “He made that team what it was. That team wasn’t much without him. Nobody else on that team really believed in that team,” said the reporter, considering this is the first time the Wolves have reached the conference semi-finals and finals since 2003-04 and well under the leadership of their shooting guard averaging 27.6 points, and 7.0 rebounds in the playoffs.

It did not stop there. Bayless did not spare other Wolves players from criticism. He voiced concerns about Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns’ ability to perform in crucial moments. “I don’t trust Karl-Anthony Towns in the biggest moment ’cause I’m just not sure about him. I’m definitely never sure about Rudy Gobert in the biggest moments,” Bayless stated. He, however, did acknowledge the efforts of point guard, Mike Conley but pointed out the limitations posed by his inadequate height.

Bayless felt that ANT was the Wolves’ nuclear weapon and the only player who had the guts to step up and take charge. Unfortunately, his efforts fell short against the Dallas Mavericks and their formidable duo – Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. A heartbroken Edwards did not take the loss well.

Anthony Edwards’ bitter post-game behavior

Throughout the series, the Ant-Man has participated in a lot of heated trash-talk. But when it was time to graciously handle the devastating loss, Edwards fell short. It seems that ANT can dish it out but can’t take it very well. After the loss, Edwards walked out of the game with his head hanging low and did not congratulate any of his opponents. Meanwhile, KAT and Gobert gracefully wished Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and others. Fans were appalled by Edwards’ behavior and many said he lacked sportsmanship.

Later, in the post-game interview, a reporter asked Edwards, “What do you think about this Mavs group, their potential and what they can accomplish in the finals? What do you think you can take from what they did to stop you personally in the series and apply it to next year and beyond?” Edwards, with his head still hanging low, replied, “Nothing.” His response silenced the entire room.

However, in a press release from later, the shooting guard was snapped shaking hands with Doncic after the game. Clearly, many did not have the full picture. Regardless to say, Edwards’ behavior has drawn a lot of criticism from fans, many of whom called him a “sore loser.” Nonetheless, he is determined to bring the team back stronger next season. “we’ll be back next year,” he said as his final comments for Wolves’ end to the campaign.

Anthony Edwards’ performance this season, left everyone stunned. Although not enough to carry Minnesota to the finals, he impressed everyone with his ever-evolving skills on the court. Regardless, the words of praise from Bayless and countless others serve as a reminder of the high expectations of Edwards as he develops into a key player in the league. For now, the team kickstart their off-season.