Anthony Edwards, known for his fearless demeanor on and off the court, didn’t hold back after the Minnesota Timberwolves suffered a 115-104 defeat against the Sacramento Kings. The young star, now in his fifth NBA season, delivered a frank critique of his team’s performance, pointing to internal issues as the root of their recent slide.
“We’re soft as (heck) as a team, but not in how we face opponents—internally we’re soft,” Edwards stated. “We don’t communicate, we act like a bunch of kids. That’s the reality, and if we don’t address it, we’re heading in the wrong direction.”
The Timberwolves, who made it to the Western Conference Finals in 2024, have hit a rough patch. After a promising 6-3 start to the season, they’ve now lost four straight games and seven of their last nine. A major offseason trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks has left the team adjusting to a revamped roster. Despite flashes of potential, the group has struggled to maintain consistency, as seen in their recent collapse against Sacramento.
Minnesota let a 12-point lead slip in the fourth quarter, just one day after a crushing overtime loss to the Houston Rockets. Edwards, who led his team with 29 points on 9-of-24 shooting, lamented the lack of energy and focus throughout the game.
“We had moments where we looked like the favorites tonight,” Edwards said. “But the second we fell behind, nobody spoke up. We’re only vocal when things are going well. That’s the definition of frontrunners, and it’s a problem we all share—including me.”
Edwards also called out the team’s disunity, attributing their struggles to conflicting priorities among players. “Right now, everyone’s got their own agenda,” he said. “That’s a big reason why we’re losing. We’re not playing as a team.”
The Timberwolves’ roster changes have been a focal point of their challenges. The trade that brought Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo from the Knicks has yielded mixed results. Both players have shown flashes of brilliance but have yet to fully integrate into the team’s system. Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns appears to have found his stride with New York, adding fuel to the fire for frustrated fans in Minnesota.
Edwards, however, stressed that the issues aren’t limited to the new additions. “This is about all of us—every single one of the 15 guys on this roster,” he said. “When things get tough, we retreat into ourselves instead of coming together. It’s obvious to everyone: the team, the coaches, the fans.”
Fans made their displeasure known during the game, booing the Timberwolves in their own arena. Edwards expressed his frustration with the reaction. “Getting booed at home is crazy to me,” he said. “It’s so (damn) disrespectful.”
The Timberwolves, now sitting at 8-10, face another tough test against the Los Angeles Clippers. As they search for answers, Edwards’ candid remarks underline the urgency for change. For Minnesota to turn their season around, they’ll need to address their internal dynamics and rediscover the cohesion that once propelled them to success.
Edwards’ leadership and willingness to speak out may be the spark the Timberwolves need to confront their shortcomings. The question remains whether the team can rally together and meet the high expectations set at the start of the season.
