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Anthony Edwards Makes Unexpected Admission After Loss to Lakers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 4:13 PM ET

After seizing control in Game 1, the Minnesota Timberwolves were dealt a tough blow in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers. The 94-85 loss at Crypto.com Arena brought the series to an even 1-1 ahead of a crucial Game 3 on Friday in Minneapolis.

While the Timberwolves came into the game riding high after a dominant Game 1 win, their rhythm was disrupted early, and they struggled to find consistent offensive footing for much of the night.

The Timberwolves quickly found themselves in unfamiliar territory, as the Lakers came out firing, overwhelming Minnesota with a 34-15 lead in the first quarter. Despite pushing back in the second half, the Wolves couldn't string together enough stops or baskets to seriously threaten Los Angeles down the stretch.

Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 27 points, while Anthony Edwards added 25 points and six assists. But as the game wore on, frustration built on the Minnesota bench—and for Edwards in particular, the Lakers’ defensive schemes presented a unique challenge.

“Every time I got the ball, they got in a zone,” Edwards said postgame, also admitting the Lakers' defensive schemes as “confusing.”

"Every time I got the ball, they got in a zone," Anthony Edwards said postgame, calling the Lakers' defense "confusing."
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) April 23, 2025

The three-time All-Star’s comments highlighted the impact of Los Angeles’ strategic game plan, which stifled Minnesota’s ability to generate successful offensive plays. The Timberwolves finished shooting just 39.7% from the field and hit only 5-of-25 from beyond the arc.

Meanwhile, the Lakers bounced back impressively behind Luka Doncic's 31 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists, along with LeBron James' 21-point, 11-rebound performance.

As the series moves to Minnesota for Game 3, both teams will look to make critical adjustments. For the Timberwolves, decoding the Lakers’ defensive puzzle will be key. For Los Angeles, the goal will be to carry their Game 2 momentum into enemy territory.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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