On Thursday night, Anthony Edwards delivered a spectacular, contested three-pointer that secured a victory for the Minnesota Timberwolves, highlighting his clutch mindset and scoring ability. However, his insistence on taking every crucial shot, despite differing opinions from coach Chris Finch, raises questions about the long-term playoff prospects of the Timberwolves.
Edwards’ Relentless Clutch Scoring and Its Risks
Anthony Edwards’ performance in late-game situations is undeniable, as he currently leads the NBA in clutch scoring with an impressive 63.7 effective field goal percentage and averages 5.9 points during clutch moments. Despite these remarkable statistics, his tendency to always seek the shot can become problematic, especially as opposing defenses adjust to focus heavily on him.
After the recent win over the Los Angeles Clippers, Edwards stated,
“I just tried to shoot it every time that I touched it. Some people are gonna say I should pass the ball, I think we have a better chance of winning if I shoot it… Me and my coach have the best relationship ever.”
This mindset was consistent earlier in the week after a victory against the Portland Trail Blazers, when Edwards expressed enthusiasm about taking numerous shots late in the game:
“I loved it. I damn near shot every shot. Yeah, I love that.”
While Edwards’ scoring heroics have kept the Wolves competitive, his refusal to consider passing, even when double-teamed, introduces significant risk. History offers a contrasting example—Michael Jordan’s willingness to pass in critical moments led to game-winning shots by teammates John Paxson in 1993 and Steve Kerr in 1997, pivotal to the Chicago Bulls’ championships. This level of trust in teammates is something Edwards still needs to develop.
Potential Consequences of Edwards’ Decision-Making Under Pressure
At just 24 years old, Anthony Edwards is on an outstanding trajectory, but his choice-making during crucial stretches remains a concern. If coach Chris Finch really advised him to pass on a particular play, that perspective holds merit considering Edwards’ first mid-range shot over two defenders was a reckless gamble. Although the game-winning three went in, Edwards shot only 1-for-5 in clutch moments overall during that contest.
Edwards’ daring style, marked by an unwillingness to defer the ball, has led to 84 clutch shot attempts this season—well above the next nearest player’s 28—and a usage rate of 41.1, almost double the next highest at 18.9. These numbers show both how integral Edwards has been to the Timberwolves’ end-of-game offense and how reliant the team is on him to create scoring opportunities on his own.
This strategy might work during the regular season against teams like the Clippers, but postseason opponents such as the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs are more prepared to stifle Edwards. Their defensive game plans emphasize forcing him to relinquish the ball during pressured moments. The question remains whether Edwards can adjust and make the correct reads against such intense playoff defenses.
Edwards’ Playmaking Limitations Highlight Areas for Growth
Beyond his shooting, Edwards’ overall playmaking is still developing. According to Cleaning the Glass, his assist-to-usage ratio ranks in the seventh percentile this season, marking a career low. This indicates a limited tendency to involve teammates, which could be detrimental in playoff scenarios where sharing the ball becomes vital.
Nevertheless, Edwards has earned the right to take difficult shots late in games due to his frequent success. Most teams rely on their best scorers in clutch situations, and the Timberwolves benefit greatly from having one of the strongest shot-makers in the league. Still, fostering more trust in his teammates and improving his decision-making when faced with double teams could increase Minnesota’s chances for deeper postseason success.
Edwards’ hero ball approach, while electrifying, might be a double-edged sword that threatens the Timberwolves’ ability to advance in the playoffs. The balance between taking control and creating opportunities for others will be crucial for both Edwards and Minnesota as the team looks toward the postseason.
ANTHONY EDWARDS IS CLUTCH. pic.twitter.com/zqELLUJVeC
— NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) February 27, 2026
Here's Anthony Edwards when @JonKrawczynski asked about his final shot and if Finch told him he needed to pass it in that spot.
"Me and my coach got the best relationship ever. I mean, he be right most of the time — 98% of the time, he be right. He told me to pass the ball… pic.twitter.com/9dmfLmJLYx
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) February 27, 2026
Asked Anthony Edwards what he liked about the way the Wolves closed tonight's game.
"I loved it. I damn near shot every shot. Yeah, I love that." pic.twitter.com/9P9ToIVCcQ
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) February 25, 2026
