The Minnesota Timberwolves did not show up Wednesday night for Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder led 26-9 after the first quarter and cruised from there to a 124-94 win, ending the series in five games. That was not a typo. The Timberwolves scored nine points in the opening 12 minutes. It was one of those nights.

For the second straight year, Anthony Edwards will take the brunt of the blame for the team's postseason failure. He is the best player on the team and the one who has been compared to Michael Jordan.

After the loss, Edwards stepped to the podium to face the music. While answering questions, he made a bold statement.

“Nobody is going to work harder than me this summer,” Edwards said. “I'll tell you that much.”

Article Continues Below
Related Minnesota Timberwolves News
Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) makes a pass against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) in the second half during game four of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center
Thunder’s Chet Holmgren indirectly fires back at Anthony Edwards after WCF winJosue Pavon ·
Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half during game four of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center
Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards needs key upgrade to level up, according to Tim LeglerJulian Ojeda ·
Rudy Gobert photoshopped in a Bulls jersey
Bulls offseason trade proposal for Rudy Gobert after Timberwolves lossBailey Bassett ·
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) during the third quarter in game five of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Anthony Edwards receives WCF warning from Lou WilliamsLorenzo J Reyna ·
Julius Randle playing for the Timberwolves. T-Wolves logo in background.
Ranking 3 best Julius Randle free-agency destinations if he leaves TimberwolvesBailey Bassett ·
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) dribbles the ball against the Golden State Warriors in the first half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Timberwolves’ Mike Conley reveals wife’s 3-word text after ‘nightmare’ Game 5Julian Ojeda ·

Edwards, like the rest of his team, had a rough night in Oklahoma City. He finished with 19 points on 7-for-18 from the field. The Thunder defense, which was considered the best in the NBA this season, did a number on the Timberwolves' top scorer.

‘Ant Man' was held under 20 points in three of the five games in the series. Even worse, if you exclude the nearly 40-point Minnesota win in Game 3, Edwards was 29-for-70 from the field. He was even more dreadful from downtown, going 1-for-7 for the second straight game.

Many believed this was the season for the Timberwolves' star to ascend. Statistically, the 23-year-old out of Georgia took a step backward this postseason. His scoring was down from last year, as was his assists, steals, shooting percentage and free-throw percentage. However, the Wolves reached the Western Conference Finals in consecutive years for the first time in team history.

Instead, it turned out to be Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who took the next step in his career. SGA won his first NBA MVP, and can add the Western Conference MVP trophy to his mantle. He dropped 34 points in the series-clinching win Wednesday night.