Anthony Edwards delivered 36 points — 16 in the fourth quarter — to push Minnesota past San Antonio in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals. The performance, reported by the Associated Press, left teammates and coaches marveling at the guard’s resilience while playing through a hyperextended left knee and bone bruise.
Playing Hurt, Logging Heavy Minutes
Edwards sat out the first-round clincher against Denver because of the injury, yet he has appeared in every contest of the current series, logging 40 and 41 minutes in Games 3 and 4, respectively. “If he were a normal human being, he’d probably just be coming back now, but he’s not,” guard Mike Conley said. “We’re thankful for what he’s sacrificing for us.”
Head coach Chris Finch echoed that sentiment, calling Edwards “special” given the adversity he has battled for “the last month and a half.”
Mother’s Day Motivation
Sunday’s win carried extra meaning for the 22-year-old. It marked his first career victory on Mother’s Day, nearly a decade after his mother, Yvette Edwards, died of cancer on Jan. 5, 2015. “I just wanted to win for my mom,” Edwards told The Athletic.
Reid Shakes Off Wembanyama Elbow
The game turned physical when Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama was ejected in the first half for elbowing Naz Reid. Despite the blow, Reid played 31 minutes, contributing 15 points, nine rebounds and four assists. He credited his toughness to his mother and grandmother, noting his mother once walked nearly two hours to work. “You get knocked down, get right back up,” Reid said.
French Connection on Hold
Wembanyama’s exit cut short an on-court reunion with fellow Frenchman Rudy Gobert. Gobert first met Wembanyama when the latter was 13 and said the two normally stay in touch. “Our families see each other,” the Timberwolves center told ESPN. “But we are focused” during the series.
Minnesota holds a 3-1 lead heading into Game 5 on Tuesday.
Source: Hoops Rumors
