Before Game 4 of the Western Conference finals clash between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Oklahoma City Thunder, a touching interaction took place involving Anthony Edwards and Natasha Rodriguez, daughter of Timberwolves owner Alex Rodriguez. With the Timberwolves trailing 2-1 in the series, this moment captured a sense of hope and encouragement ahead of the crucial game.
Natasha Rodriguez, 20, took to social media on Monday to share a photo of herself embracing Edwards before the game, while Alex Rodriguez stood nearby speaking to a young child. In her post, Natasha offered a heartfelt message wishing the team luck.
“TONIGHT. GAME 4. LETS. GO. WOLVES.”
Natasha, the eldest of Alex Rodriguez’s two daughters, is currently attending the University of Michigan where she majors in musical theater. She has also performed the national anthem at Timberwolves games and other sports events, highlighting her close ties to the team beyond her father’s ownership.
Anthony Edwards remains focused despite dominant Game 3 performance
In Game 3, Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves secured their first win in the Western Conference finals with a commanding 143-101 victory over the Thunder on Saturday. Despite this strong showing, Edwards remained cautious ahead of the upcoming games, understanding the challenges that lie ahead.
Known for his confident demeanor, Edwards tempered expectations by reminding reporters of the team’s current series deficit and the tough competition they face.
“We’re still down,” Edwards told reporters, referencing Minnesota’s 2-1 deficit in the series. “It’s just one win. Can’t get too high on it. Don’t get too low. Just got to try to win another one, man. This team, they’re the best team in the NBA. So, we got to be able to beat this team more than one time, and it’s going to be tough.”
Across the first three games, Edwards has averaged 26.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. His standout performance came in Game 2, despite the Timberwolves’ 118-103 loss, where he posted 32 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and a block while striving to even the series.
What lies ahead for the Timberwolves in the series
The series remains tightly contested, with both teams still in contention. The Timberwolves’ emphatic win in Game 3 demonstrated their capability to challenge the Thunder and potentially level the series. The emotional support from Alex Rodriguez’s family, showcased in the pregame moment between Edwards and Natasha Rodriguez, adds a personal element to the team’s mission in the playoffs.
As Minnesota prepares to host Game 4, the outcome will be pivotal in shifting momentum. Edwards and the Timberwolves must maintain their focus, balancing hope with caution, to build on their success and push forward in the Western Conference finals.