Anthony Edwards Stats Tonight: How did the Timberwolves star fare against Lakers? (Oct. 22) | 2024-25 NBA season
Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves were in Crypto.Com Arena on Tuesday to square off against the LA Lakers. The visitors couldn't extend the hosts' streak of seven straight losses on opening night. Minnesota trailed big early, got back into the game, but eventually went down 110-103.
Edwards finished the game with 27 points on 10-for-25 shooting, including 5-for-13 from deep. He also contributed six rebounds and three assists but tallied four turnovers.
Here are Anthony Edwards' stats against the LA Lakers:
"Ant-Man" averaged 12 3-pointers in the preseason and that aggressiveness carried over in the first quarter. His first four shots came from behind the arc before he attempted and made a layup against Jaxson Hayes. Edwards played the entire first period and finished with eight points on 3-for-6 shooting, including 2-for-5 from deep.
Minnesota's franchise cornerstone continued to look for his shots from long-range. He peppered his attempts with a few drives to the basket. Edwards posted up Bronny James in the second quarter but failed to convert a fadeaway jump shot. The two-time All-Star's 14 points led Minnesota as they trailed 55-42 leading to the halftime break.
Edwards struggled in the third quarter, adding five points but committed three turnovers. The Lakers sustained their aggressive double-teaming on “Ant-Man” to force him to take tough shots. Minnesota, though, cut LA’s lead to 82-74 leading to the fourth period.
Edwards' inefficient night continued in the fourth quarter. He scored eight points but labored to get them. LA's defense stepped up when needed.
Anthony Edwards’ chemistry with Julius Randle is a work in progress
Julius Randle averaged 18.2 shots in his last four seasons with the New York Knicks. In his first game with the Timberwolves, he attempted 10. Randle’s lack of shots partly had to do with Anthony Edwards, who seemed hesitant to pass him the ball.
On a handful of pick-and-roll plays, Randle would roll without getting a dime from Edwards. Instead of giving the ball to “Don Julio,” Edwards would go up for a contested shot. Five of Randle's seven points in the fourth quarter came off offensive rebounds that resulted in baskets. He had to battle in the paint to get opportunities to score.
The former Knicks star was also guilty of holding on to the ball too long in some situations where Edwards was free. For the Minnesota Timberwolves to have another deep playoff run, Edwards' chemistry with Randle has to significantly improve.