Anthony Edwards acknowledged his role in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 137-128 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night, calling out the team’s lack of urgency. As a leading star in his sixth NBA season, Edwards remains a critical piece of Minnesota’s playoff push, but the team continues to face challenges with consistency, as shown by this recent loss.
After the game, Edwards gave credit to the Grizzlies’ stronger execution and determination, highlighting their edge in the crucial moments of the contest.
“Yeah, it’s definitely on us. We knew everything they were gonna do. They just played with a little better pace than us. They wanted it more tonight,”
Edwards said. – Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves star
Game Analysis: What Separated the Grizzlies from the Timberwolves
The Grizzlies’ ability to outperform Minnesota in key areas such as free throws, rebounds, and assists ultimately decided the game. Memphis converted 30 free throws, pulled down 45 rebounds, and shared the ball to create 30 assists. In comparison, the Timberwolves managed 24 made free throws, 40 rebounds, and 24 assists, indicating a gap in execution and intensity.
Despite the loss, Minnesota’s offense was notable, with five players scoring in double figures. Anthony Edwards led the team with 39 points, adding seven rebounds, three assists, and one steal. He shot 13-of-27 from the field, making 3-of-9 from three-point range and converting 10-of-14 free throws. Jaden McDaniels contributed 29 points and four rebounds, while Donte DiVincenzo added 21 points and four assists. Julius Randle also made a strong effort with 19 points and eight rebounds, and Naz Reid chipped in 10 points, six rebounds, and four blocks.
Standings and Upcoming Challenges for the Timberwolves
Following this loss, Minnesota’s record stands at 31-20, positioning them fifth in the competitive Western Conference. They hold a slim half-game lead over the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns but trail the Houston Rockets by 1.5 games and the Denver Nuggets by 2.5 games, underscoring how critical every contest is in the playoff race.
The Timberwolves will aim to regain momentum in their next game, continuing their road schedule against the Toronto Raptors on February 4 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Success in this matchup will be crucial if Minnesota wants to solidify its standing and overcome the setbacks experienced against Memphis.
Anthony Edwards when asked if this loss to Memphis felt self-inflicted
"Yeah, it's definitely on us. We knew everything they were gonna do. They just played with a little better pace than us. They wanted it more tonight." pic.twitter.com/ON6BaFMLqp
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) February 3, 2026
