MINNEAPOLIS — Timberwolves coach Chris Finch says the team’s offense now starts with Anthony Edwards, even though Donte DiVincenzo is listed at point guard. “Anthony’s probably more of our point guard than Donte is our point guard,” Finch told reporters, noting that Edwards has the ball in his hands to “steer the ship.” Edwards acknowledged the learning curve, adding, “I just got to get used to being a point guard … bringing it up, even though they pressure.” Minnesota remains firmly in the Western Conference race while refining its Edwards-led attack.
Trail Blazers
PORTLAND — The Trail Blazers were eliminated from the NBA Cup on Wednesday when they fell to San Antonio, missing a chance to clinch the top seed in their group. Despite the setback, forward Deni Avdija turned in a career-night with 37 points, eight assists and six rebounds. “We wanted it,” Avdija said. “It was a good opportunity for us to advance in the Cup. We fought … it was a close game.” He compared the intensity to a playoff atmosphere and called the contest “a tough test” that will serve the young roster moving forward.
Heat
MIAMI — With the Heat finally healthy on Wednesday, coach Erik Spoelstra signaled that his lineup remains a work in progress. Second-year center Kelel Ware returned to the bench after starting nine of the previous ten games, and forward Nikola Jovic—back from a right-hip injury—did not appear in the 10-man rotation. “None of it will be in cement,” Spoelstra said, emphasizing that he will continue to adjust based on matchups. The coach reiterated a preseason theme: “We feel that our depth is one of our best strengths and we want to weaponize that.”
Source: Hoops Wire
