Anthony Edwards carries a strong personal motivation whenever he faces the Oklahoma City Thunder, a rivalry sparked by last season’s playoff defeat. The Minnesota Timberwolves guard made these feelings clear following his team’s recent 123-111 home victory against the Thunder, emphasizing the deeper significance behind these matchups.
Edwards Highlights Defensive Effort as Key to Victory
After the game, Edwards spoke to NBA on Prime about his approach to competing against the defending champions.
“Yeah, it’s super personal for me, because they put us out last year and they got the reigning MVP [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander],”
he said.
“So, it’s super personal, and I think a win like this shows that. … if we bring our defensive intensity every night, we’re going to be all right.”
His comments underscored the importance of defense in overcoming Oklahoma City.
Strong Regular Season Performance Against the Thunder
This recent win marked Edwards and the Timberwolves’ second victory in three regular-season meetings with the Thunder. Edwards has been performing at a high level, averaging 27.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game while shooting an impressive 46.2 percent from beyond the arc. Their final regular season game against Oklahoma City is set for March 15 in Oklahoma City.
Playoff History Fuels the Rivalry
Edwards’ determination against Oklahoma City is rooted in their recent playoff history. After the Timberwolves advanced through the 2025 NBA Playoffs by defeating the LA Lakers led by LeBron James and Luka Doncic’s Dallas Mavericks, and then overcoming the Golden State Warriors without Stephen Curry, their run was ended by the Thunder in the Conference Finals. Oklahoma City eventually claimed the NBA championship in a seven-game series against the Indiana Pacers.
Looking Ahead to Future Clashes With Oklahoma City
With at least one more regular-season meeting and the possibility of facing Oklahoma City again in the 2026 playoffs, Edwards is eager for future battles. His competitive spirit and strong performances help set the stage for an ongoing rivalry between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Thunder, promising intense contests ahead.
