ATLANTA — Anthony Edwards exited the Minnesota Timberwolves’ bench and headed to the locker room late in Wednesday night’s 126–102 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks, a move head coach Chris Finch said should not have occurred.
The incident happened with 7:52 remaining after Finch removed his starters while Atlanta held a 109–80 advantage. As a timeout was called, Edwards threw his towel, left the bench without permission, and did not return. He declined to speak with reporters following the game.
“Obviously frustrated with the performance and rightfully so, but he needs to stay out on the floor and root for his team,” Finch told reporters, according to The Associated Press.
Before leaving, Edwards scored 30 points on 10-of-18 shooting in 33 minutes. The All-Star guard entered the night eighth in the NBA at 29.1 points per game and remains Minnesota’s primary offensive option.
It was the second straight contest in which Edwards’ emotions became a headline. He was ejected in overtime of last Thursday’s loss at Denver after disputing foul calls, despite finishing that game with 44 points.
Wednesday’s matchup carried personal significance for the Atlanta native, who played in front of friends and family, including his grandfather. Instead, it ended with Minnesota trailing by nearly 30 and its star visibly frustrated.
Source: Hoops Wire
