Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has earned an automatic one-game suspension after picking up his 16th technical foul of the season. The league ruled that he must sit out Friday’s game against the Utah Jazz. Edwards hoped the league would rescind his second technical from Thursday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, but that did not happen.
Anthony Edwards’ Tantrums And Suspension Overshadow His MVP Stretch
He was ejected in the third quarter after arguing a no-call following a fall caused by Lakers guard Gabe Vincent’s leg following a push-off by Edwards. While still on the floor, Edwards directed profanity at referee Brent Barnaky, leading to his second technical and an ejection. On his way out, he tossed the ball into the crowd, further drawing attention to his frustration. He was charged a delay-of-game for that.
This marks the first time a player has received 16 technical fouls before March since DeMarcus Cousins in the 2016-17 season. If Edwards continues down this path, he risks more suspensions, as every two additional technicals will trigger another automatic game ban.
Timberwolves’ Season of Adjustments
Minnesota entered the season with an uncertain roster fit. The team traded Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks for Julius Randle, a player with a very different offensive style. Towns thrived in catch-and-shoot situations, while Randle prefers a more deliberate, ball-dominant approach. The adjustment was never going to be seamless.
Despite this, Edwards has stepped up. Losing Towns, the team’s best shooter, forced Edwards to take on a higher volume of three-point attempts. So far, he has done so impressively. He is second in the league in made three-pointers (238), slightly behind Malik Beasley (239) while being ahead of Stephen Curry (222).
The Timberwolves have struggled with injuries, with key players like Randle, Rudy Gobert, and Donte DiVincenzo missing extended time. Edwards responded by elevating his game to MVP-like levels.
Edwards’ MVP-Caliber Stretch
Edwards is fourth in scoring in the league averaging 27.3 points per game. He has taken his scoring to new heights in recent months. Edwards has been among the league’s top scorers since the new year. In January, he averaged 30.3 points per game, trailing only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Giannis Antetokounmpo. His February scoring average of 30.7 points placed him third behind Gilgeous-Alexander and Curry.
Edwards is emerging as a serious NBA MVP votes getter. He probably won’t win MVP but he could impact the race by getting votes. He has steadily climbed NBA.com’s “Kia MVP Ladder” rankings, moving from outside the top 10 a month ago to No. 6 in the latest update. His strong February performance includes three consecutive 40-point games, a 30-point game, and multiple near triple-doubles.
One of Edwards’ most impressive moments came against Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder. After trailing by 25 points in the fourth quarter, the Timberwolves mounted a historic comeback, capped by Edwards’ clutch block on Gilgeous-Alexander’s potential game-winning shot.
His scoring outbursts and defensive highlights should be the dominant storyline of his season. However, his technical foul issues and outbursts are becoming just as much of a talking point.
Leadership Means Keeping Emotions in Check
Edwards has let his emotions boil over at crucial moments. His ejection against the Lakers proved costly, as the Timberwolves needed his scoring down the stretch.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch has addressed Edwards’ emotional outbursts, emphasizing that his star player must improve in this area. “He’s got to be better,” Finch said. “He’s had too many outbursts.”
The NBA’s punishment system for technical fouls is strict. With 16 already on his record, Edwards is on thin ice. If he reaches 18, he will face another suspension. If he gets to 20, he will miss yet another game. The league put this rule in place to curb poor discipline, and Edwards must adapt if he wants to avoid more suspensions.
Can Anthony Edwards Learn From Suspension Before It’s Too Late?
Edwards’ talent is undeniable. He has carried Minnesota through injuries and tough stretches, keeping them in the playoff hunt. However, his temperament threatens to overshadow his brilliance. If he cannot control his emotions, he risks being unavailable when the Timberwolves need him most.
A suspension during a crucial late-season stretch could hurt the team’s playoff positioning. If he continues racking up technical fouls, he could even miss time in the postseason. Edwards must recognize that his frustration with officials cannot outweigh his value to the team on the court.
With MVP-level performances this season, Edwards has proven he belongs among the league’s elite. Now, he must show he has the composure to stay on the floor when it matters most.
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