Anthony Edwards led the Minnesota Timberwolves with 39 points in Monday’s 137-128 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies but acknowledged defensive shortcomings. “There was no defensive intensity tonight,” Edwards said.
The guard admitted that fatigue played a role. “I don’t know, John. I’m tired. We didn’t have it,” he said when asked about the team’s defensive efforts.
Edwards emphasized responsibility for self-inflicted mistakes. “It’s definitely on us. We knew everything they were going to do. They just played a little better and at a little better pace than us,” he added.
In terms of offensive decisions, Edwards thought about shot selection. “A few times I settled for a 3-pointer when I could have gotten to the rim,” he said.
He also discussed defensive execution and fundamentals. “Just knowing the scout report. We talked about fouls. Knowing which hand these guys like to use. Staying in front of the ball. Just little things like that,” Edwards explained.
In matching Memphis’ physicality, Edwards noted the need for resilience. “Just be physical on defense. Finish strong. Play through it,” he said.
Edwards acknowledged the challenge of keeping the energy up late in the season. “Around this time, a lot of players on teams are tired. When we’re tired, we’ve learned what the team wants to do so we can be there for them,” he said.
Despite the loss, Edwards remained optimistic about the team’s prospects. “I feel good. We just lost a game we should have won. It happens, man. It’s the NBA. We’ll be back. We’ll be fine,” he said.
Minnesota trailed by 20 in the second half despite strong performances from Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo and Jaden McDaniels. Jaren Jackson Jr. of Memphis scored 30 points and Ty Jerome added 19 as the Grizzlies snapped a six-game losing streak.
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