The Minnesota Timberwolves recently faced the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Conference Finals, where the Timberwolves were clearly outmatched from the beginning. Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves’ shooting guard and one of the league’s rising stars, admitted the team struggled throughout the series. Paul George, a nine-time NBA All-Star, highlighted a key area Edwards must improve to elevate his game: developing his post-game skill.
Why Developing a Post-Game Could Boost Edwards’ Performance
The Timberwolves surprised many by eliminating the Golden State Warriors in the conference semifinals, showing great promise. However, their momentum stalled in the conference finals against the Thunder, ending in a 1-4 series loss. Edwards, the top pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, showed flashes of brilliance during the postseason but ultimately lacked consistency at critical moments.
Paul George pointed out on his podcast, Podcast P with Paul George, that Edwards’ next step is to cultivate a reliable post-game routine. This approach would allow Edwards to slow down the pace of the game, take a single dribble, and use the space created to launch shots or make plays.
George explained,
Get to an elbow, get to the mid-post where you can see the whole floor, and play from there. I think that’s the next evolution for Ant.
—Paul George, NBA All-Star Forward
George’s advice is rooted in his view that mastering the post-game can help Edwards control the flow of the game better, especially in high-pressure situations.
Edwards’ Playoff Performance and Areas for Growth
During the playoffs, Edwards averaged notable statistics: 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists across 15 games. Yet, in the series versus the Thunder, his scoring was uneven—posting two impressive 30-point games but falling below 20 points in three others. The Thunder’s formidable defense contributed to this challenge, but Edwards’ inconsistency during key moments raised concerns.
While Edwards is recognized for his explosive athleticism and energy, his inability to maintain steady performance under postseason pressure revealed a gap in his game. The post-game skill George recommends could be key to helping Edwards navigate these critical moments more effectively and maintain offensive control.
Comparing Edwards’ Growth Path to LeBron James’ Career Development
Paul George drew parallels between Edwards’ current situation and LeBron James’ transformation during his Miami Heat years. Adding a post-game around the mid-post area was a turning point for LeBron, significantly expanding his offensive repertoire and aiding his championship runs.
George believes Edwards has the potential for a similar evolution if he commits to enhancing his post-game abilities, which could make him less reliant on fast-paced scoring and more versatile against tough defenses.
The Road Ahead for Anthony Edwards
Despite his promise, Edwards continues to face criticism for mistakes in critical games, particularly highlighted during the recent conference finals. With increased scrutiny from analysts and fans, his offseason development is essential.
Edwards’ journey will depend on how effectively he can absorb advice like Paul George’s and implement post-game skills into his overall offensive strategy. Success in this area may determine whether he transitions from a talented young player into a true championship contender. For now, the basketball community watches closely, hopeful that Edwards takes full advantage of the offseason to refine his game and address these key areas.