Even NBA stars like Anthony Edwards can have their moments of tardiness.
During the Minnesota Timberwolves’ victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night, Edwards found himself coming off the bench for the first time since his rookie season. However, this wasn’t due to any disciplinary action or restrictions on playing time.
Rather, Edwards was simply distracted and missed the tip-off for the game. As the game commenced and the cameras panned out for the opening tip, Edwards could be spotted in the background, waiting near the scorers’ table to enter the game.
He was eventually substituted into the game with 11:25 remaining in the first quarter, replacing Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the starting lineup. Despite the unusual start, Edwards managed to contribute 13 points, six assists, four rebounds, and a steal in 35 minutes of play.
This marked the first time Edwards had come off the bench since January 27, 2021, during his rookie season against the Golden State Warriors.
When asked about his tardiness, Edwards attributed it to simply “losing track of time.” While he typically warms up with resistance bands outside the team’s locker room before games, it remains unclear whether this routine was a factor in his lateness on Monday.
Despite briefly leaving the game in the third quarter due to an elbow contusion, Edwards returned to play and continued his contributions. With impressive season averages of 26.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game across 59 contests, Edwards remains a vital asset for the Timberwolves.
With the best record in the Western Conference, the Timberwolves are set to face the Indiana Pacers on the road on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.
