“This is exactly who they are, a Play-in team” 2008 NBA champion Kendrick Perkins did not hold back in his recent criticism of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Reaching the Western Conference Finals after securing a 56-26 regular season record, Anthony Edwards and co had set expectations for themselves. Unfortunately, the same is yet to materialize. As the Timberwolves recently lost to the Sacramento Kings, their win record has further dropped down to an abysmal 8-10. Something is not right with the franchise, and everyone has their opinions/reasons for this performance. As it turns out, so does the head coach.

During the post-game presser, Chris Finch touched base on the pull-up threes that Anthony Edwards made throughout the matchup. The percentage has certainly seen an increase, as it currently stands at 42.7%, in comparison to the previous season’s 35.7%. However, Edwards faltered with his shots against the Kings a bit, going 4-9 with the three-pointers. In light of so many missed shots, Finch was compelled to state “The margin for error is not there, (with a) 10 point lead, you got to be able to execute… we lost our willingness to execute.”

The lesson on staying consistent with the execution was not solely for the lead scorer. It was meant for the Timberwolves roster as a whole.

“Today, we focused on a better start, you know. And we did a good job there, but we just got to have more consistent application of what we’re actually trying to do” Finch said during the presser. “Guys are kind of, a little bit, in their own world when things aren’t going well for them, and it’s affecting both sides of the ball, which…….. that has to be changed.”

When singling out Anthony Edwards himself, the head coach’s remark about ‘willingness to execute’ somewhat seems to falter when discussing the player.

Anthony Edwards is indeed making more shots than before. His average field goal attempts have gone up from 19.7 to 21.2, and his three-pointers from 6.7 to 11.1. Only his free throw attempts have reduced from 6.4 to 4.8. The success rate of his three-pointers has gone up from 35.7% to 42.7%. In turn, the shooting guard’s scoring average, for this season, increased automatically.

However, there have been lapses from Edwards’ side from time to time. It was only during the previous game, against the Houston Rockets when the player’s three-pointers were at 3-12 (25%). The game was lost by a 6-point margin (111-117). Therefore, a better success rate from Edwards’s side could have helped. Before that, when competing against the Portland Trail Blazers in mid-November, Edwards went 0-9 with his far-away shots.

Therefore, for Chris Finch, if the lead scorer cannot set a proper example, then how can the rest follow? Though such instances are rare, they did occur. With a 4-game loss streak and a win record of 8-10, this is the last thing the Timberwolves need.

As lead scorer, the responsibility to take the blame for the Timberwolves’ unfortunate streak falls on Anthony Edwards. For the most part, the 23-year-old has willingly done so. However, in the aftermath of the recent matchup, he didn’t shy from passing the blame upon others too.

Anthony Edwards criticizes his teammates over struggling with their identity: “We’re soft as hell”

During the Q&A session in the locker room, Anthony Edwards made it known that he won’t display his upbeat side this time around. The player kicked off the session by stating “Y’all wanna talk to me? (Yes.) What you wanna know, why we’re trash?” The shooting guard did not choose to assign blame on any one player. In fact, throughout the session, he kept using “we” to include himself in the blame collectively, too. Amidst the 4-game loss streak, it was clear to him that the Timberwolves were going through an identity crisis.

“We’ve been trying to figure this out for the whole year, man,” said Edwards. “We thought defense was our identity, and it’s not looking like it at all. Our identity right now … we’re soft as hell, like as a team, internally.”

When looking to discuss the losing streak, Edwards added “It’s hard for me to speak for the team as far as everybody mentally, because I don’t know. I’m not in everybody’s head. For myself, I know I’m good.” However, from the way the player started the presser, the streak may have affected him. Combining that with Chris Finch’s critique may bring about a change in the coming games. If not, then the comparison of Anthony Edwards with Michael Jordan, including the name he had built for himself the previous season, may see itself go down the slippery slope.