Anthony Edwards is transitioning into a full-time point guard role as the team moves away from traditional floor generals. Edwards scored 31 points with eight rebounds and five assists in a 111-105 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch confirmed the shift before the Western Conference finals rematch. He explained that Edwards has become Minnesota’s primary ball handler despite Donte DiVincenzo starting at point guard.
“Anthony’s probably more of our point guard than Donte is our point guard,” Finch said. “He has the ball. He is our lead guard in that regard.”
Edwards acknowledged he is still adjusting to the responsibilities of initiating offense and handling late-game pressure. The sixth-year guard struggled with decision-making in crucial moments, including a late-game sequence where he failed to make himself available for an inbound pass.
“I just got to get used to being a point guard, going to get the rock at the end of the game, bringing it up, even though they pressure,” Edwards said.
“Sometimes I’m thinking, let somebody bring it up and then come get it,” Edwards said. “Just to take the pressure off my teammates, I just got to bring the ball up the court and get us into an action.”
The Timberwolves lack viable point guard options with Mike Conley declining at age 38. Conley went 1-for-4 against the Thunder and Minnesota was outscored by 17 points in his 12:32 on court. Rob Dillingham, at 20 years old, is not ready for significant minutes in the role. The Wolves are emerging with motivation on the trade market due to their need at the position.
Edwards has scored 41, 43 and 31 points in his last three games while increasing his playmaking responsibilities. Finch noted Edwards is handling double teams better than last season, though the team must find ways to reduce the defensive pressure he faces.
“With no designated point guard, I think I got to be the one to bring the ball up,” Edwards said. “It’s just that simple, so we don’t turn it over, get us into action, get my teammates shots.”