Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves fell to a double-digit loss against the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs.
Although the Timberwolves built a comfortable cushion in the first half, they were unable to maintain the lead as stars Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon began picking up steam.
Minnesota saw momentum slipping away after a host of shaky offensive possession and uncharacteristic turnovers. Especially when Edwards went to the bench, the Wolves struggled to create in the half court. Donte DiVincenzo, who sank four 3-pointers in the first two quarters, quickly cooled off after a hot start.
But the bigger focus was on the laboring Edwards, who struggled to stay available for the Wolves in the final stretch of the regular season as he dealt with knee trouble.
Edwards, 24, fell short of the 65-game threshold and will not be eligible for postseason awards.
Anthony Edwards Didn’t Appear Healthy in Game 1
Entering Saturday’s game in Denver, Edwards’ status was designated as questionable. There was significant concern over whether he’d be able to play relatively close to tip off.
“This is the first year that I’ve ever seen anything different where he’s been frustrated by not feeling 100 percent,” Minnesota head coach Chris Finch said ahead of Game 1. “He’s always played through little injuries, but I think this one, more than ever, felt it impinged the way he was able to play. But he looks good. He feels good right now. It’s just about getting him in the rhythm of the game, which is hard to do in the playoffs. But I know he’s ready for it.”
It has surely been a frustrating few weeks for Edwards. However, the Wolves perhaps shouldn’t feel bogged down by the Game 1 loss.
Even with a hobbled Edwards, the Wolves’ early intensity blasted them to a convincing lead in a road playoff game. One has to think if Edwards was healthy, Minnesota walks out of the opening game with a victory.
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – APRIL 18: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves warms up prior to playing the Denver Nuggets in Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 18, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.
Update on Minnesota Star Before Game 1
According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Edwards was seen going through his routine shooting and conditioning drills at Ball Arena ahead of tonight’s Game 2.
Edwards reportedly went through a lengthy conversation with coach Finch.
Slater said in a “SportsCenter” interview today that he anticipates Edwards “will play” tonight despite being listed as questionable on the injury report
That is certainly good news for the Timberwolves. Having Edwards out there in a critical playoff game is massive. Although the Wolves are down 0-1, winning Game 2 to tie the series before it shifts to Minnesota would be an enormous momentum-booter.
The Wolves are always tough to take down on their home court in the postseason. The last time the Nuggets were in Target Center, they lost by … 45 points.
Of course, simply having Edwards on the court won’t be enough for the Wolves, as Slater noted on SportsCenter. The team will need the two-time All-NBA guard at or very close to his best for Minnesota to come out victorious.
Game 2 from Denver tips off at 9:30 p.m.
Anthony Edwards Injury Update: Timberwolves Get Surprising News Right Before Game 2 vs Nuggets