Despite his recent injury, Anthony Edwards surprisingly returned to the court as the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1. Edwards was initially expected to miss several games in the Wolves-Spurs playoff series.
Instead, Edwards once again defied the odds to be ready for Game 1. After the win, Edwards opened up on his knee injury and emphasized that he does not feel like he needs to be “limited” moving forward in the series.
“I felt great,” Edwards told The Athletic’s Anthony Slater during a May 5, 2026, press conference. “I don’t think I’m limited at all. Whatever coach needs from me.
Edwards played 25 minutes in Game 1 posting 18 points, three rebounds and three assists while shooting eight-of-13 from the field. The Wolves take on the Spurs in Game 2 on Wednesday, May 6, at 9:30 p.m. Eastern.
Barring an injury setback, the expectation is that Edwards will continue playing in the series.
Here’s what you need to know about Edwards injury.
Anthony Edwards’ Injury: Timberwolves Star Expected to Play vs. Spurs in Game 2
After the victory, Edwards admitted to NBC that he “may not be as athletic as I usually am.” Edwards is clearly not 100%, but the star appears ready to continue playing in the series.
“I think the main thing is just trying to keep it from being stiff, because that’s the usual outcome when you hyperextend your knee, like you don’t want to move it,” Edwards detailed. “Like I said, I think I got the best physical therapist in the world with David Hines.
“So just trusting him and working through all the pain that I felt throughout the first two days, three days and just getting in the pool, running on it, band work. Just a lot of resistance (work). So yeah, he got me right.”
Anthony Edwards’ Injury Prompted Minutes Restriction vs. Spurs
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch revealed that Edwards was on a minutes restriction during Game 1. It is unclear if the Wolves will handle Edwards similarly for Game 2.
“We talked yesterday that if he was able to go, he was going to come off the bench, and that was fine with him, which it absolutely was,” Finch explained to reporters on May 5. “We communicated exactly how we were going to use him, and he was all in.
“He did a really good job of not pushing and forcing things, even though he knew he was on a minutes restriction. I thought he did a really good job of just staying in the flow.”
Anthony Edwards on Game 1 vs. Spurs: ‘I Made So Many Mistakes’
It was an achievement for Edwards to suit up in Game 1, but the star was not pleased with how he finished the game. Despite the win, Edwards outlined how he wants to improve for Game 2.
“I made so many mistakes at the end of the game,” Edwards told NBC, per Clutch Points. “I’m disappointed in myself. For me, 75 percent of the game for me is my mind.
“My mind’s got to be where it needs to be and in the last minutes of the game, it wasn’t. I gave up two offensive rebounds, turned the ball over. Yeah. I’ll be better,” Edwards added
“… I may not be as athletic as I usually am, but I’ve got to be able to box out, make the small plays to win the big time games.”
Anthony Edwards Reveals Injury Update Before Timberwolves-Spurs Game 2