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USA Today via Reuters
May 24, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts in the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks during game two of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-05-25T024218Z_731006548_MT1USATODAY23377979_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-DALLAS-MAVERICKS-AT-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
May 24, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts in the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks during game two of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
After defeating the defending champions on their home turf, the Minnesota Timberwolves were favorites to advance to the finals. However, Anthony Edwards and co. have had a reality check since then. Not only did Ant lose both games, but he hasn’t been able to perform at his max in the series yet. With a 2-0 deficit against the Dallas Mavericks the Wolves now head home, but the 23-year-old doesn’t have a good feeling about it!
In a recent post on X captioned, “Anthony Edwards vowed to be more aggressive calling his own number in Game 3: “Y’all going to see tonight … It’s going to be a lot of shots.” Edwards airs his frustrations about playing at home, “Less distractions, less people around..I mean you in a hotel, in those four corners.”
Anthony Edwards vowed to be more aggressive calling his own number in Game 3: “Y’all going to see tonight … It’s going to be a lot of shots” pic.twitter.com/YXYDV85oYM
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 26, 2024
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In this postseason, the Wolves have been playing better on the road. For Instance, three of their wins against the Denver Nuggets came were in Ball Arena, including the Game 7. However, the regular season was much different where they had a 30-11 record at home, and 26-15 on the road. However, in the West finals, the Mavs have taken both games in Dallas, leaving Ant and his boys in a pickle.
Edwards is also undergoing a shooting slump, which is an added reason to worry for Minnesota.
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How can Anthony Edwards turn the series in their favor?
Luka Dončić has dictated the pace and terms of the games, making Dallas much more comfortable in the final five minutes compared to the Timberwolves. He’s even been physical on defense, getting some leeway from the officials to use his hands and body more. Attempts to wear him down have failed, particularly with Kyrie Irving taking over in the fourth quarter of Game 2 before Luka sealed the deal. His usage rate is still at 35 percent, and considering how much he’s handled the ball, four turnovers per game isn’t excessive.
The only option that remains for Ant is to be more aggressive. Edwards acknowledged that saying “I’m gonna be super aggressive. I haven’t taken more than 16 shots in any game,” Edwards said after Sunday morning’s shootaround. “Y’all gonna see tonight.”
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The main thing for Ant will be to drive toward the basket. As in this series, shooting 33 percent is one thing, but taking 19 of his 33 shots from 3-point range is too many for someone who is such a powerful driver isn’t wise. Can the Edwards make the necessary changes and take over in game 3? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.