Timberwolves’ Defensive Struggles Lead to Blowout Loss to Knicks
The New York Knicks dominated the paint, scoring 62 points inside and adding 31 second-chance points off 21 offensive rebounds. Fresh off convincing wins against struggling teams Charlotte and Brooklyn, Minnesota faced a harsh reality check in New York.
The Knicks overwhelmed Minnesota’s defense in a commanding 137-114 victory at Madison Square Garden, dampening the excitement of Anthony Edwards’ return to the Timberwolves lineup.
Anthony Edwards’ Return and Performance
Edwards came back after missing four games due to a hamstring strain. Initially expected to be sidelined for two weeks, the Grade 1 strain typically requires only a 7-to-10 day recovery. Wednesday marked his tenth day out, and Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said he was eager to return. Despite playing 29 minutes, Edwards struggled and the team was outscored by 25 points in his time on the floor.
For Minnesota to contend with stronger teams, Edwards will need to improve his impact significantly.
Challenges Against Quality Opponents
While Minnesota handled teams like Charlotte and Brooklyn without trouble, they have struggled against higher-caliber opponents. The Timberwolves have been defeated by Denver, the Lakers twice, and now the Knicks, but they have triumphed over lower-ranked teams such as Charlotte, Brooklyn, and Indiana, all likely to finish near the bottom of the NBA standings.
"Timberwolves coach Chris Finch told reporters pregame the guard was ‘itching’ to get back on the floor."
"The Wolves lost his 29 minutes by 25 points."
Author’s summary: Minnesota’s recent loss highlights their defensive lapses and the urgent need for Anthony Edwards to regain form to compete with strong NBA teams.