Anthony Edwards’ performance in Game 1 vs the Warriors draws criticism from former NBA MVP

The Western Conference semifinal series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors tipped off Tuesday night at Target Center. Things didn’t go as planned for the home team, which dropped Game 1, and Anthony Edwards drew criticism from a former NBA MVP over how he played.

“First of all, you brought all this smoke, you said you wanted the smoke. ‘I want the Warriors.’ And you got them,” Charles Barkley said of Edwards on Inside the NBA after the game. “You had 1 point at halftime. And his energy level was down.”

Barkley went on to highlight how the high profile that comes with being a star has both upsides and downsides, comparing Edwards’ situation to his own experience and that of co-host Shaquille O’Neal. “Shaq’s been in this situation, I’ve been in this situation. When you’re the man, you get all the credit, but you get all the blame. That’s the way it works,” explained the 1993 NBA MVP with the Phoenix Suns.

“You can’t come out and talk all that noise and have one point. Plain and simple,” said Chuck, making it clear that in his view, Edwards’ performance didn’t live up to his superstar status.

Former NBA star Charles Barkley

Anthony Edwards’ performance vs the Warriors

While Edwards’ numbers were surprisingly low at halftime against the Golden State Warriors, the Timberwolves shooting guard improved in the second half and finished with 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 assists in 43 minutes on the court.

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Asked about his performance after the game, Anthony didn’t express any frustration with how he played. “I feel like I played great defense. I just couldn’t do anything on offense,” he said in the press conference. “I got everywhere I wanted to get, just couldn’t finish. I think that was the only thing. I got everything I was looking for in the first half, just couldn’t finish.”

Minnesota coach was not happy with Edwards

Despite Anthony Edwards’ comments, head coach Chris Finch delivered a strong message regarding his young star. “You’re the leader of the team. You’ve got to come out and set the tone. If your shot is not going, you still have to carry the energy,” he said. “If I’ve got to talk to guys about having the right energy coming into an opening second-round game, then we’re not on the same page.”

That response earned Finch praise from Charles Barkley. “I was really impressed with coach Finch in that press conference,” said Chuck. “He called Anthony out… That to me is what coaching is about.”