MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has been fined $25,000 by the NBA after using profane language during a post-game media interview following the team’s 107-90 victory over the Golden State Warriors on December 6. The fine was issued after Edwards’ comments during a media scrum that followed his team’s win.
The Incident:
Edwards, who finished with 27 points in the game, expressed frustration with his performance after the Timberwolves’ 114-106 loss to the Warriors on Sunday, December 8. During the post-game locker room interview, Edwards was overheard saying, “I just gotta f–king play better” and “I gotta find my teammates. F–king terrible by me.” His remarks led to an immediate NBA fine for inappropriate language.
Edwards’ Reaction:
Aware that he could face disciplinary action for his outburst, Edwards chose to skip media availability after the Timberwolves’ loss to the Warriors. The 23-year-old guard wanted to avoid incurring an additional fine for another instance of swearing. This decision highlights the NBA’s commitment to maintaining a professional environment during media interactions.
Timberwolves’ Struggling Start:
The Timberwolves’ loss to Golden State dropped their record to 12-11 for the season, leaving them in the middle of the competitive Western Conference standings. After a successful 56-26 campaign last year, the team has struggled with consistency and is adjusting to life without star center Karl-Anthony Towns, who was traded to the New York Knicks in early October.
Despite the frustration, Edwards has stepped up as the team’s primary offensive threat, averaging 26.4 points per game. However, he continues to work on improving his overall game, particularly his assist-to-turnover ratio, which stood at 4 assists to 3.1 turnovers heading into the Warriors game.
Timberwolves Reflect on the Loss:
Despite the setback, both Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert remained optimistic. Randle praised the team’s defensive progress, while Gobert noted that despite the loss, the Timberwolves were growing more aware of their strengths and weaknesses as a unit.
Warriors’ Late Comeback:
The Golden State Warriors staged a dramatic late-game comeback to defeat Minnesota 114-106. Stephen Curry led the charge with 30 points, while Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga added 27 and 20 points, respectively. Gary Payton II’s critical defensive plays, including a block on a Nickeil Alexander-Walker layup and a steal off an Edwards pass, helped seal the victory for the Warriors. Golden State’s 9-0 run in the final minutes of the game turned the tide, allowing them to avenge their earlier 107-90 loss to the Timberwolves.
What’s Next for the Timberwolves:
As the Timberwolves look to bounce back from their inconsistent start, they’ll continue to rely on Edwards’ leadership. Adjustments will also be necessary as the team navigates life without Towns, with players like Randle and Gobert stepping up to support Edwards on both ends of the floor.
The NBA’s fine on Edwards serves as a reminder that the league continues to enforce professional conduct during media interactions, maintaining a standard for player behavior both on and off the court.
