Anthony Edwards’ Remain Steadfast Belief: ‘I Still Don’t Feel Like They Can Beat Us

Despite the Minnesota Timberwolves trailing 3-0 in the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, star player Anthony Edwards remains steadfast in his belief that his team is superior. This bold stance comes in the wake of a series of close games, with the Timberwolves surrendering late leads in all three contests. The latest defeat, a 116-107 loss in Dallas, further deepened their hole, yet Edwards’ confidence has not wavered.

After the game, NBA insider Sam Amick reported a revealing interaction between Edwards and veteran teammate Mike Conley. The young star expressed his unwavering belief that the Timberwolves, despite their struggles, are still the better team. “I still don’t feel like they can beat us, bro. We haven’t all been clicking at one time,” Edwards remained convinced and told Conley. This sentiment highlights a common frustration in sports: recognizing potential that remains unrealized on the court.

The Timberwolves’ predicament is particularly frustrating given their consistent leads heading into the final minutes of each game. Dallas’ ability to stage impressive comebacks has only added to Minnesota’s heartbreak. For Timberwolves fans, watching their team falter late in games has become a distressing pattern, exacerbating the pain of each loss.

Conversely, the Mavericks have displayed remarkable poise and chemistry in crunch time. Amick noted that Dallas’ experience and cohesion have been decisive factors. With players like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving leading the charge, the Mavericks have demonstrated a masterful ability to close out games, a stark contrast to Minnesota’s late-game struggles.

In the high-stakes environment of the playoffs, the performances of key players often determine the outcome. For the Mavericks, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving have risen to the occasion, consistently delivering in critical moments. Doncic, known for his playoff prowess, is averaging an impressive 32.7 points per game in the series, reinforcing his status as one of the league’s premier performers. Irving, who famously hit the game-winning three-pointer in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, is averaging 27.7 points per game, providing a reliable second-scoring option for Dallas.

On the other hand, the Timberwolves’ stars have struggled to match their counterparts. Anthony Edwards’ belief scoring has dipped from 28.9 points per game in the earlier rounds to 22.0 points in the conference finals. Karl-Anthony Towns has fared even worse, averaging just 15.0 points on a dismal 27.8% shooting, including a paltry 13.6% from beyond the arc. This drop in production has been a significant factor in Minnesota’s inability to close out games.

While Edwards’ belief in his team’s potential is commendable, translating that confidence into on-court results is crucial. Historically, no NBA team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series, making the Timberwolves’ task exceedingly daunting. However, if Minnesota hopes to defy the odds, they will need Edwards and Towns to rediscover their scoring touch and lead by example.

Additionally, the Timberwolves’ supporting cast, which was a strength in the earlier rounds, must step up. Depth has become less of an advantage as the Mavericks’ role players have risen to the occasion, complementing the efforts of Doncic and Irving.

The current series between the Mavericks and Timberwolves is a compelling study in contrast. On one hand, we see a Dallas team executing with precision and composure, guided by the steady hands of seasoned stars. On the other hand, a Minnesota squad brimming with potential but plagued by inconsistencies and late-game collapses. Anthony Edwards’ defiant optimism reflects a young player’s belief in his team’s abilities, but the harsh reality is that belief alone won’t change the series’ trajectory.

The Timberwolves’ journey from here will be a test of character and resilience. Can they regroup, find their rhythm, and mount an unprecedented comeback? Or will the Mavericks’ experience and clutch performances continue to dominate? As the series heads to Game 4, all eyes will be on whether Minnesota can turn their unwavering belief into tangible results on the court.