Anthony Edwards doesn't back down and responds to Chris Finch

Chris Finch did not beat around the bush after the Minnesota Timberwolves defeat in the first game of the Western Conference semifinals. Despite Golden State Warriors' star, Stephen Curry, leaving the game early due to a hamstring injury, the Wolves couldn't capitalize. The 99-88 loss left fans and analysts stunned, especially considering Curry's early exit. Chris Finch turned his focus directly to Anthony Edwards.

"It starts with Ant," Finch said. "I felt like he battled, but the light dimmed a bit." The Chris Finch - Anthony Edwards relationship came to the forefront when the coach asked his star to elevate his game.

Edwards ranks as the NBA's fourth-leading scorer this season, averaging 27.6 points per game. But in the first game, he seemed lost. Edwards only scored one point in the first half and missed his first 10 shots. He finally saw a bucket fall late in the game, finishing with 23 points on 9-of-23 shooting from the field. The Timberwolves went into halftime trailing 44-31, a deficit they never recovered from.

Even as the Warriors built a 23-point lead, Minnesota never cut the deficit to single digits in the second half. The lack of urgency concerned Finch. "You're the leader," he said. "You have to set the tone." The coach made it clear he expects more from the face of the franchise.

Edwards didn't shy away from the criticism. "They can blame me," he said postgame. "We just didn't play well enough." He pointed to his defensive effort - two steals and pressure that held Golden State to 37.2% shooting in the first half - as proof that he still impacted the game. But Finch didn't want to coach effort at this stage in the postseason.

Finch expects leadership, especially when things go awry. Even if shots aren't falling, the energy must remain high. "If I have to tell the guys how to bring energy in a playoff game, we're not on the same page," he bluntly stated.

Timberwolves' Weaknesses

The Timberwolves couldn't hit threes. They were 0-for-15 from beyond the arc in the first half, a feat they hadn't achieved since 2018. Their final tally? Only 5-of-29. According to ESPN, their 12-of-76 stretch over two games set a new low for three-point shooting in the playoffs.

Finch also criticized the team's transition play. "Our decision-making was horrendous," he said. "Even with the Warriors' 18 turnovers, we only managed 10 points in fast-break scenarios." There's very little room for error in the playoffs. These opportunities cannot be wasted.

Despite the setback, veterans like Mike Conley believe in a response. "I expect us to be better," he said. "We made mental mistakes that we can rectify." Edwards also looked ahead with confidence. "We'll shoot the ball very well in the next game," he promised.

Chris Finch hopes Anthony Edwards regains the form he showed in the first round. Against the Lakers, Edwards dominated. He read defenses perfectly, made decisive choices, and controlled the tempo.

Now, the Timberwolves need that version of Edwards back. The second game offers the chance to set the tone again. The Wolves will need leadership, better shooting, and above all, energy. Finch has issued the challenge. Edwards has accepted it. Now it's up to him to walk the talk.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Anthony Edwards no se achanta y responde a Chris Finch