In a Sunday clash between rivals, the Denver Nuggets deployed a constant double team on Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, attempting to stifle his impact as soon as he crossed half-court. The Nuggets’ defensive focus initially gave them an advantage, but Edwards and Minnesota ultimately triumphed 117-108. This victory showcased Edwards’ ability to manage intense defense while leading the Timberwolves to a crucial win in Denver.
Edwards’ Perspective on the Double Team Tactic
After the game, Edwards reflected on Denver’s persistent double teams, acknowledging the strategy as an acknowledgment of his offensive threat.
“It’s a sign of respect cause they wasn’t just double-teaming me. They was hitting me from halfcourt. I’m not mad at all because, at the end of the day, my 4 is better than they 3. We were playing 4 on 3.” – Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves guard
This statement reveals Edwards’ confident mindset despite the concerted defensive effort against him, suggesting the double teams motivated him rather than hindered his performance.
Game Flow and Edwards’ Adaptability
The Nuggets started strong, leading 31-22 after the first quarter by aggressively pressuring Edwards. However, Minnesota adjusted in the second quarter, dominating that frame 36-19, as Edwards shifted roles to facilitate his teammates’ offense. Rather than forcing his shots, he played more as a decoy in the second half, allowing multiple players to find opportunities. Edwards finished with a solid stat line: 21 points, six assists, three rebounds, two blocks, and one steal. Five other Timberwolves players scored in double digits, reflecting the team’s balanced attack.
Strategic Context Behind Denver’s Double Team Approach
Denver’s defensive plan came in response to Edwards’ recent scoring surge—he had been averaging 32.3 points across his previous four games. By challenging Edwards with early and consistent double teams, the Nuggets aimed to disrupt his rhythm and prevent him from gaining momentum. Edwards’ adjustment to increase ball movement demonstrated his versatility and unselfish play under pressure.
Consequences for Western Conference Standings
This win improved Minnesota’s record to 38-23, pushing them ahead of Denver, now 37-24, for the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. This positioning carries significance as it would grant the Timberwolves a home-court advantage if the two teams face off in the playoffs as the fourth and fifth seeds. Securing this win over the Nuggets not only boosts Minnesota’s playoff prospects but also sends a message about their resilience against tough defensive tactics like the double team.
Edwards’ Growth in Handling Defensive Challenges
Last season, Edwards admitted frustration with facing heavy defensive focus. After a narrow loss to the Boston Celtics, he described the mental difficulty of remaining engaged while often being double-teamed, stating it was
“super hard, super hard, super hard, super hard”
to stay focused when he was accustomed to scoring frequently. However, advice from basketball legend Michael Jordan played a role in shifting Edwards’s approach. Jordan encouraged him to see double teams as respect and to improve his movement without the ball so he could find scoring chances before defenses collapsed on him.
“move without the ball, move into the post, get into scoring positions before the double teams could come” – Michael Jordan, basketball legend
Over the past year, Edwards has incorporated this advice, now embracing the tactical advantage his playmaking creates for the Timberwolves by effectively turning double teams into opportunities for others. His recent performances reflect a maturing player who leverages defensive pressure to create a numerical advantage on the court.
Implications for Future Minnesota Games
With Edwards adapting to defensive tricks like double teams, Minnesota’s offense has become less predictable and harder to contain. His ability to maintain composure under pressure and involve teammates will be critical as the Timberwolves continue their playoff push. The team’s capacity to secure home-court advantage against a strong Denver squad could play a decisive role in their postseason journey. Edwards’ evolving mindset suggests he is prepared to face tough defenses with confidence and leadership, increasing Minnesota’s potential for success going forward.
Denver was sending a second defender at Anthony Edwards when he crossed court in today's game.
Asked Ant, who used to be really frustrated by that look, about playing through that type of aggressive coverage.
"I'm not mad at all because, at the end of the day, my 4 is better… https://t.co/lF58jWRhFL pic.twitter.com/YUgr93fu53
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) March 1, 2026
Pretty much the entirety of Anthony Edwards's postgame media was him talking about his frustration with the way teams are putting two on him, taking away his opportunities to be a scorer and forcing him to get off the ball.
"It's not how I want to play, of course. I'm only 23, I… pic.twitter.com/7bJdFS6zeU
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) January 3, 2025
Michael Jordan:
"I had a conversation this summer with a high executive at Minnesota and he was talking about Anthony Edwards. I heard during the course of the year that they were double teaming (him). He didn't know how to deal with the double team…those are the types of… pic.twitter.com/rKEmOJHCX9
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) December 3, 2025
