“Nature Calls”: Anthony Edwards Starts Late, Still Finishes Big
Anthony Edwards delivered a strong performance off the bench in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ dominant win over the Dallas Mavericks, but his night began in an unexpected way. A brief delay due to what head coach Chris Finch called “nature calls” forced Edwards to miss the opening tip, turning a routine game into a lighthearted yet memorable moment.
- Krishna Sagar
- 3 min read
Every NBA game follows a rhythm. The starters are announced. The crowd builds. The opening tip sets the tone. For stars like Anthony Edwards, those moments are usually automatic, part of a routine that rarely changes.
But every now and then, something breaks that rhythm. And sometimes, it is not strategy, injury, or matchup adjustments. Sometimes, it is something far more human.
That was the case on Monday night, when Edwards, one of the league’s brightest young stars, was announced as a starter for the Minnesota Timberwolves but was nowhere to be found when the game began.
Instead, veteran guard Mike Conley stepped in for the opening tip, leaving fans and viewers wondering what exactly had happened. The answer, as it turns out, was simple. Nature called.
1. A Delayed Start
According to head coach Chris Finch, there was nothing complicated about the situation. “Nature calls,” Finch said, offering a blunt and humorous explanation.
Edwards eventually checked into the game just over two minutes after tip-off, making his delayed debut for the night. By then, the moment had already turned into a talking point, blending curiosity with amusement.
For Edwards, the situation was as relatable as it gets. “Mike had my back,” he said with a grin, acknowledging Conley’s quick adjustment to step into the starting role temporarily.
It was not the start anyone expected. But it did not take long for Edwards to make his presence felt.
2. Making Up for Lost Time
Despite coming off the bench, Edwards quickly settled into the flow of the game. There was no hesitation. No visible rust. Just impact. He finished with 17 points in just 23 minutes, contributing to a commanding 124 to 94 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. His performance was efficient, controlled, and exactly what Minnesota needed.
For a player who had just returned after missing six games due to knee pain, the outing carried added significance. He was not just back. He was effective.
Finch was quick to highlight what stood out most about Edwards’ performance. “Ant was awesome, man,” he said. “His defense was outstanding. Just let the game come to him. Stayed aggressive. Made quicker decisions. And things looked kind of easy for him as a result.”
It was not just about scoring. It was about how Edwards approached the game.
3. Edwards’ Own Reaction
After an unusual start, he did not force anything. Instead, he allowed the rhythm to come naturally, picking his moments and making the right plays. That composure is what separates good players from great ones.
For Edwards, sitting out the opening moments was far from enjoyable. “I was miserable,” he admitted. The feeling of watching instead of playing is something no competitor enjoys, especially someone as energetic and involved as Edwards.
When he finally stepped onto the court, the relief was immediate. “I felt like a kid in a candy store,” he said. That excitement translated directly into his performance. Energy. Aggression. Focus. Everything clicked.
Beyond the humor of the situation, the game carried broader implications. Edwards is in the middle of a career-best season, averaging nearly 30 points per game. His role as the face of the Timberwolves continues to grow, and his importance to the team’s success cannot be overstated.