Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is facing disciplinary action from the NBA after being ejected from Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The 22-year-old guard was handed a double technical foul during the third quarter, his 16th of the season, and is now at risk of a one-game suspension.
Anthony Edwards: the ejection incident and consequences
Edwards' ejection came after he expressed frustration over a non-call midway through the third quarter. In addition to his ejection, Edwards lingered on the court and threw the basketball into the crowd at Crypto.com Arena, which could result in an increased fine from the league. His actions, coupled with the technical fouls, have prompted the NBA to review the incident closely.
This marks the third ejection of Edwards' career, adding to the growing list of disciplinary concerns for the rising star. While he can still avoid the suspension if one of the technical fouls is rescinded, the situation remains uncertain.
Anthony Edwards: impact on the Timberwolves' game
Edwards' ejection occurred at a critical moment in the game, where the Timberwolves were trailing the Lakers 74-59. Despite Edwards’ early exit, the Timberwolves fought back in the fourth quarter, cutting the lead to just three points. However, they ultimately fell short, with the Lakers securing a 111-102 victory.
Edwards had been performing well before his ejection, finishing with 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, and zero turnovers. His performance stood out in a game where no other Timberwolves player reached double-digit points, highlighting his importance to the team.
Anthony Edwards: potential suspension and upcoming games
If Edwards does receive a suspension, it will come at a crucial time for the Timberwolves, who are set to face the Utah Jazz on Friday, followed by a Sunday matchup against the Phoenix Suns. The suspension, if imposed, could significantly impact Minnesota's lineup and their ability to remain competitive in these games.
This season, Edwards has been carrying a heavier workload than ever before. He is posting career highs in points, rebounds, turnovers, and minutes per game, while also achieving a career-high .535 effective field-goal percentage.
As Edwards awaits a potential suspension, the Timberwolves will be hoping for a quick resolution to keep their star player on the court for the important upcoming games. Whether he will be available for Friday's match against the Jazz remains to be seen.