Curious Exchange Between Anthony Edwards and the Referee
Anthony Edwards makes his team’s championship ambitions crystal clear – even to referee James Williams
The first showdown of the season between Ant-Man and Luka Doncic went the Slovenian’s way. Despite 31 points from Edwards and a strong offensive start by the Minnesota Timberwolves, it wasn’t enough. The two stars will meet again on Thursday night (Wednesday in the U.S.) for the second act, this time at the Target Center.
To keep himself in the MVP race through April, Edwards will need even greater consistency than last season – when he posted impressive numbers but shot just 44.7% from the field. His leadership and efficiency will be key to steering Minnesota toward one of the best records in the brutally competitive Western Conference.
Still, the top priority in Edwards’ mind – and that of his entire team – is clear: the NBA championship. Last season marked not a rebuild, but a refinement of a project that has rekindled hope across Minnesota. With key additions like Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, the franchise and its fans are dreaming of a first-ever NBA Finals appearance – and perhaps their first championship ring.
During pregame pleasantries with head referee James Williams, Edwards didn’t hesitate to say exactly what he and his team are chasing:
Everything’s going great. But listen, man – at this point, it’s championship or failure. We’ve already been to the Conference Finals twice.
Anthony Edwards
Over the years, many team leaders have spoken publicly about rejecting the idea that failure is simply the flip side of success. Whether they truly believed it in those moments is anyone’s guess. But in Edwards’ case – judging by his tone, confidence, and determination – there’s no doubt: he and the Timberwolves are all-in on the title hunt.