The Minnesota Timberwolves faced a tough opponent in the Dallas Mavericks, who, under the guidance of Jason Kidd, clinched their first Game 1 victory in a third-round matchup. Playing on their home court, the Timberwolves, backed by a vociferous crowd, had high hopes pinned on Anthony Edwards, their rising superstar.
Edwards, who had been nearly unstoppable in the first two rounds, averaging 28.9 points along with 5.9 assists and making 3.0 threes per game, found the going tough against Dallas. The Dallas Mavericks managed to limit him to just 19 points on 6-of-16 shooting, putting him on the negative side of the plus-minus column.
Despite the setback, Anthony Edwards contributed in other ways, grabbing 11 rebounds and distributing eight assists, keeping the pressure on the Mavs’ defense. However, as the Timberwolves look to bounce back in the series, Edwards’ scoring prowess will be crucial. Here are three key areas where Edwards can elevate his game to ensure a stronger performance in Game 2.
1. Heightening Defensive Focus and Discipline
In the aftermath of Minnesota’s Game 7 victory over the Denver Nuggets, Anthony Edwards expressed a keen interest in guarding Kyrie Irving.
Although the task was shared among several Timberwolves, Edwards found himself outmaneuvered by Irving several times, particularly in close-out situations and during off-the-ball movements. Despite his strong defensive contributions this season, Edwards’ lapses in focus and occasional ball-watching have been noticeable.
Improving his defense against high-caliber players like Irving and Luka Dončić, who can exploit any lack of discipline, will be crucial. Anthony Edwards may benefit from occasionally “hiding” on less threatening off-ball players, allowing him to conserve energy and maintain focus when defending off the ball. This adjustment could also free him up to enhance his offensive output, a necessity if the Timberwolves are to regain their footing in the series.
2. Aggressively Attacking the Paint
Despite Anthony Edwards’ effective shooting from beyond the arc, where he hit 5-of-12 attempts, his overall shot distribution raised concerns. Edwards took an overwhelming majority of his shots from three-point range, with only two attempts inside the restricted area, both of which he missed. Additionally, he only went to the free-throw line twice, indicating a lack of aggression in drawing contact within the paint.
To disrupt Dallas’ defensive strategies, Anthony Edwards must increase his drives to the basket. The presence of Dallas Mavericks’ rim protectors like Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II poses a challenge, yet it’s not an insurmountable one. By driving more aggressively, Edwards can force the Dallas Mavericks to collapse their defense inward, potentially creating more opportunities for himself and his teammates around the perimeter.
3. Unleashing a More Dominant Offensive Game
This postseason has seen Edwards compared to basketball legends, with discussions around him potentially becoming the next face of the league. To live up to such expectations, Edwards needs to embrace these pivotal moments to assert his dominance on the court. Although facilitating plays and accumulating assists are valuable, there are times when taking over the game with his scoring is necessary, especially during offensive dry spells.
Anthony Edwards has previously shown he can reach the 40-point mark in crucial games, and replicating such performances could pivot the series back in favor of Minnesota. By intensifying his offensive aggression, Edwards can help the Timberwolves overcome mid-game lulls and reinforce their competitive edge in the series.
Looking Ahead: Dallas Mavericks’ Star Anthony Edwards
In summary, while the loss in Game 1 was a setback, it also highlighted key areas for improvement that Edwards can focus on. By enhancing his defensive discipline, increasing his assertiveness in the paint, and taking charge offensively, Edwards has the potential to turn the tide in the upcoming games. As the series progresses, all eyes will be on him to rise to the occasion and lead his team with both skill and determination.
