Anthony Edwards Returns, but Bathroom Break Delays His First Shift
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The Minnesota Timberwolves welcomed guard Anthony Edwards back to the lineup Monday night in Dallas, where he logged 17 points across 23 minutes in a 124-94 victory over the Mavericks — though his comeback began two minutes late.
Edwards was introduced with the starters but missed the opening tip, prompting Mike Conley to step in. The 22-year-old checked in 2:01 into the first quarter and later explained that a brief restroom visit was responsible. Head coach Chris Finch summed it up with, “Nature calls.” Edwards added with a grin, “Mike had my back.”
The outing was Edwards’ first appearance after a six-game absence caused by pain in his right knee. He entered the night averaging a career-best 29.5 points over 35.5 minutes. Finch praised the All-Star’s return, noting Edwards’ defensive effort and quicker decisions on offense.
With eight games left on Minnesota’s schedule, Edwards must play in each one to remain eligible for All-NBA consideration under league availability rules. The guard has already taken part in 58 contests this season, though a 3-minute, 8-second cameo against Indiana on Oct. 26 is excluded from official games-played totals. He has finished seventh in MVP voting the past two years.
Before tipoff, the Timberwolves announced that forward Jaden McDaniels is week-to-week. An MRI revealed patella tendinopathy and a bone bruise in his left knee. McDaniels, averaging a career-high 14.8 points, exited Wednesday’s game with the injury and did not suit up Saturday.
Source: ESPN
