Anthony Edwards Shines in Game 4 Victory, Keeps Timberwolves’ Championship Hopes Alive

In a high-stakes showdown on Tuesday night, the Minnesota Timberwolves managed to stave off elimination with a crucial 105-100 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. The Timberwolves’ star guard, Anthony Edwards shines in Game 4, was at the forefront of this win, delivering a stellar performance that not only kept his team’s championship hopes alive but also silenced his critics.

After struggling in the first two games of the series and committing a costly late-game turnover in Game 3, Edwards faced significant criticism. Among the most vocal detractors was NBA pundit Skip Bayless, who questioned whether Edwards was capable of being the leading man in crucial moments. Bayless’s comments were harsh, stating that he didn’t believe Edwards was “that guy” capable of carrying his team.

However, Edwards used the criticism as fuel for his Game 4 performance. He showcased his resilience and talent by putting up 29 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists, shooting 44% from the field. His aggressive and energetic play was evident from the start, as he took advantage of a lackluster defensive effort by the Mavericks, particularly from their star, Luka Doncic.

On Wednesday’s episode of **Undisputed**, Bayless acknowledged Edwards’ pivotal role in the Timberwolves’ Game 4 win. He praised Edwards for recognizing the Mavericks’ flat start and capitalizing on it with his assertive play.

“I was shocked because I thought they would play desperate just to get this thing over with so they could match your Celtics in rest and recuperation and get Luka healthy and [Dereck] Lively healthy for Boston. And it did not happen because Luka, especially on the defensive end, was just resting every possession,” Bayless remarked. “He was playing no defense. Kyrie [Irving] played a little, but Luka played none. None. And I think Ant-Man smelled that right away. … Last night, he hurt them with his energy and his aggression. He took it to them.”

The contrast between Edwards’ performance in Game 4 and his earlier struggles in the series is stark. In Game 2, he shot just 29.4% from the floor, going 2-for-7 from beyond the arc, which marked his worst shooting performance of the postseason. Over the first two games, Edwards had two of his three lowest-scoring games in the playoffs, putting up 19 points in Game 1 and 21 points in Game 2.

Game 3 saw Edwards score well but struggle with ball control, committing five turnovers, including a crucial one late in the game. These struggles, combined with inconsistent shooting from Karl-Anthony Towns, left the Timberwolves in a daunting 0-3 hole.

With the series shifting back to Minnesota for Game 5, the Timberwolves aim to continue their comeback attempt. While no team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 series deficit (0-155 all-time), Edwards’ heroics in Game 4 have given the Timberwolves a glimmer of hope. The home crowd will be eager to see if Edwards can replicate his Game 4 performance and push the series to a sixth game.

Anthony Edwards’ Game 4 performance was a testament to his growth and resilience. His ability to respond to criticism and deliver under pressure bodes well for his future as a leader of the Timberwolves. Critics like Skip Bayless may have doubted him, but Edwards’ play silenced those doubts, at least for now. His determination and competitive spirit were on full display, qualities reminiscent of great players who have thrived in high-pressure situations.