After the Wolves stunned the Lakers with their physicality on Saturday, LeBron James vowed to be more prepared for the challenge in Game 2. Sure enough, the LA team immediately got to work and JJ Redick even admitted that they had their best practice in months. Last night, they came out with an entirely new defensive strategy that left Anthony Edwards and Co. visibly confused.
The team that scored a whopping 117 points in Game 1 was limited to just 85 points. And Ant-Man, who is the Wolves’ primary scorer, finished with 25 points on a highly inefficient 10 of 22 shooting. Moreover, their offense was not flowing as smoothly as it did on Saturday. When asked about the reason behind their limited movement, Edwards made a harsh postgame confession, “I don’t know. It seemed like every time I caught the ball, they kind of went like in the zone in a sense. It’s kind of confusing at times.”
Earlier this season, Edwards had similar issues with driving to the basket with a clogged lane. Back in December, he revealed his frustration about the issue, “If you watch the game, it’s nothing for me to do when I get downhill. Everybody wants me to get downhill. I know that’s my strength. I get to the rim, lay the ball up, dunk the ball. But I can’t do that if there’s no lanes, if it’s not open.” Well, Redick exploited Ant-Man’s same weakness last night, as his defenders switched to zone, giving him no room to attack the rim and make plays for his teammates. He had zero assists in the game.
He continued, “Yeah, this was the first time I’ve seen this one. Every time I caught the ball at the top, it was kind of like they was in the zone. Even when we cut guys through, they just stayed. I gotta be ready to make those reads.” Now that Edwards knows the Lakers’ strategy, he is keen on finding a solution before the next game, “We’ll watch film and be ready.” However, that might go down on the priority list if his health becomes a problem.
Anthony Edwards’ postgame look raises concern as he reveals one thing Wolves need to change for Game 3
Apart from Ant-Man’s confusion, there was another issue concerning the Wolves fans. He showed up to the postgame presser without a shirt on and just a towel over his back. And everyone noticed his shoulder wrapped up with a bandage. Fearing a potential injury, an interviewer asked the reason behind the covered shoulder. Edwards replied, “I just got hit on the screen like early in the game. Yeah.”
Jan 4, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts in the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Yes, the Wolves star hurt his shoulder during the physical encounter. However, it doesn’t seem like something that will get him sidelined for Friday’s game. So, Ant-Man is ready to return home with the series tied at one-game-a-piece. “Feel great. We 1-1, its nothing better to be but 2-0, but we 1-1… When I go back and watch the film, I should be able to find things.” He added. Of course, having won both games in LA would have been the ideal situation for the Wolves. But even winning one on the road is a massive advantage. Now, all they need to do is protect home court and they should be good for the series.
And Edwards knows what his team needs to do better this Friday to ensure victory, “I will say we just can’t let them get off to a fast start. I feel like that’s the only thing with this team. They’re looking forward to coming out and jumping on you early. I feel like as long as we hold them to not being down 18 points in the first quarter, we’ll be alright.” Last night, the Lakers got off to a hot start and Luka Doncic outscored the entire Wolves squad in the opening quarter. Ant-Man understands that they cannot afford to be this careless at home. Do you think he can overcome last night’s struggles and lead the Wolves to victory in Game 3?
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