In Game 1, the Timberwolves fell 116-105 at Ball Arena. Edwards logged 38 minutes and finished with 22 points, nine rebounds and seven assists while playing through the knee problem and a heavy playoff workload after a lengthy regular-season absence.
Edwards previously dealt with knee inflammation that caused him to miss 11 of the final 14 regular-season games, but he returned for the playoffs and carried a full workload in the opener. His status remains a focal point for Minnesota as the series shifts to Denver’s arena.
After Game 1, Edwards indicated his body responded well overall, acknowledging some fatigue after the layoff but suggesting the knee had not worsened. The stretch of limited recent action appears to have contributed to the rust he showed, according to coaches and observers.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch noted the rust from the long layoff and emphasized that Edwards has rarely felt limited by injuries in the past. Denver’s defense—using extra help on drives and challenging Edwards’ downhill attack—put a premium on cleaner spacing and stronger secondary scoring for Minnesota.
To support the effort, players such as Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels were identified as options to help ease the scoring load, with Julius Randle also mentioned among potential contributors. Minnesota will need a stronger collective showing if Edwards is not at full strength, as they aim to split the two road games before the series returns to Target Center.
Game 2 tips off Monday night in Denver, with Edwards’ health once again central to Minnesota’s chances of leveling the series and avoiding a 2-0 hole.
