Here’s the 5-word message anthony Edwards loudly directed toward the Spurs bench in Game 1 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards was listed as week-to-week after a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise, but he shocked everyone by returning in just nine days.
In Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals, edwards came off the bench against the San Antonio Spurs and scored 18 points in 25 minutes. 11 of those points came in the fourth quarter as the Timberwolves upset the Spurs to go up 1-0 in the series. In the second quarter, Edwards nailed a mean fadeaway from the baseline.
Moments later, he drained a pull-up jumper and turned to the spurs bench with a simple message.“Y’all know me,” Edwards said. “I’m back.”For 24-year-old Edwards, the Spurs are familiar prey. On Jan. 17, despite a foot injury, he dropped 55 points against the same team.
Despite the recent injury, there was no hesitation in his burst or jumping. He played with electricity, starting 3-for-3 from the field. Edwards has battled injuries all season – a hamstring strain, foot infection and right knee issues limited him to 61 games.
On April 25, in game 4 against Denver, his knee bent unnaturally, resulting in a bone bruise. Reports suggested he would miss at least the first two games, but Edwards relied on hyperbaric chamber therapy and aggressive recovery methods. Until 24 hours before the game, the team didn’t expect him to be available.
His unforeseen healing made it possible. Where typical players take two weeks, edwards did it in nine days. Minnesota’s backcourt was weakened by injuries to Donte DiVincenzo and Ayo Dosunmu, motivating Edwards to return quickly.
The four-time NBA All-Star made it clear the moment he stepped on the court - he wasn’t just there to show up. He was there to make an impact. Now, all eyes are on what comes NBA news: