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Anthony Edwards Vows Timberwolves Will 'Be Back Next Year' After Elimination

Tim Capurso

May 30, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; NBA referee Marc Davis (8) talks to Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the second quarter in game five of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; NBA referee Marc Davis (8) talks to Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the second quarter in game five of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports / Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Anthony Edwards channeled his inner Arnold Schwarzenegger following the Minnesota Timberwolves' 124-103, season-ending loss to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals on Thursday night.

Edwards, who experienced something of a coming-out party on the national stage with a breakout performance in the NBA Playoffs that drew him some comparisons to six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan, remained confident in the Timberwolves, even in defeat.

During his postgame press conference, Edwards was asked what his emotions were as the Timberwolves' season comes to an end.

The rising star responded by vowing that Minnesota will return to the NBA Playoffs next season.

"Uhh, I just said, we'll be back next year," Edwards said, nodding his head. When the reporter followed up by asking Edwards if this is an experience he and his teammates must go through as a learning experience, the Timberwolves star replied, "Unfortunately, it's going through it with a loss, but I guess so."

Edwards and the Timberwolves swept the star-studded Phoenix Suns in the first round, then dispatched the defending-champion Denver Nuggets in seven thrilling games in the conference semifinals to help the 'Wolves reach the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2004, but the run came to an end just before the doorstep of the NBA Finals.

Edwards, who will turn 23 in August, averaged 27.6 points, 7.0 rebounds and 6.5 assists in the 'Wolves' 16-game playoff run this year.

Given what he showed in this year's playoffs, there's reason to believe Edwards when he says his team will be back.

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Tim Capurso
TIM CAPURSO

Tim Capurso is a staff writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. Prior to joining SI in November 2023, he wrote for RotoBaller and ClutchPoints, where he was the lead editor for MLB, college football and NFL coverage. A lifelong Yankees and Giants fan, Capurso grew up just outside New York City and now lives near Philadelphia. When he's not writing, he enjoys reading, exercising and spending time with his family, including his three-legged cat Willow, who, unfortunately, is an Eagles fan.

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