MINNEAPOLIS — In the high-stakes world of the NBA playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s defensive prowess faced off against the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards, and the outcome was telling. The Thunder’s top-rated defense has proven its mettle, successfully navigating a challenging series against Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets. However, as they gear up for now against Edwards, a different kind of challenge looms ahead.
As Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault aptly pointed out, defending elite players like Jokić is no walk in the park. “Even when we defended him well, he still dropped a couple of 40-point games,” noted Daigneault. That serves as a fundamental lesson heading into Game 4 (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) — how effectively Oklahoma City can contain Edwards will be critical in determining the series’ trajectory. A strong performance could tighten the competition, while a lackluster showing might just allow the Wolves to break free.
Edwards has become the linchpin of Minnesota’s offense, showcasing his dynamic skills. Early in Game 1, he seemed subdued, which didn’t bode well for the Timberwolves, who have a limited scoring arsenal. However, he returned with a fiery performance in Game 3, leaving the Thunder scrambling to mount an effective response.
What sets Edwards apart is his burgeoning understanding of what it means to thrive at this level. He’s no longer waiting for nudges from his coaches; he’s taking ownership of his game. Edwards has expressed his ambitions, believing he belongs in the conversation with the NBA’s elite. This mindset is essential for a young star, especially in high-pressure playoff scenarios. A player who shies away from the moment won’t help his team thrive.
If Edwards’ more reserved approach from Game 1 is in the rearview mirror, the Thunder’s defense will need to rise to the occasion, once again. They remember all too well what he’s capable of doing when he’s firing on all cylinders.
Edwards excels in one-on-one matchups, evaluating defenders to exploit weaknesses. He has the dual threat of attacking the rim or sinking deep jumpers. As he’s developed into a volume shooter this season, he’s added even more weapons to his already dynamic repertoire.
“A lot of All-NBA, All-Star caliber players can’t be held down for an entire game,” Thunder guard Alex Caruso emphasized. “It’s about getting into position early and being ready. Edwards is powerful and agile, often getting to his spots before we have a chance to react.”
In the previous series against Jokić, Oklahoma City employed a myriad of defensive tactics, throwing different looks his way, leveraging the size of Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren, as well as the instinctual play of Caruso. Their strategy forced Jokić to rely on passing, which ultimately disrupted his game plan.
However, Edwards brings a different set of challenges. He operates differently and requires a modified defensive approach, putting added pressure on both Caruso and Lu Dort, as they strategize on how best to contain him.
Here are the potential tactics that OKC could utilize to combat Edwards’ electrifying play:
- Straight-Up Defense with Dort: This is the initial strategy that seems most sensible. Dort, recently honored with a spot on the All-Defensive First Team, has squared off with Edwards numerous times. Although he may be shorter, he possesses the strength to match up well.
The competitive exchange between Dort and Edwards in Game 3 signaled to both players that they are prepared to battle. Despite Dort’s physicality, Edwards still started strong in that game, netting 16 points in the first quarter alone.
- Incorporating Caruso: The Thunder’s acquisition of Caruso was deliberate, aimed at such playoff scenarios. His entrance into the game doesn’t see a dip in defensive effort, which can be exhausting for opponents expecting a breather. The blend of Dort and Caruso creates a formidable defensive pairing that has contributed significantly to Oklahoma City’s tenacity on that end of the floor.
- Forcing Edwards to Pass: There’s a notable distinction in the defensive mindset between Jokić and Edwards. While Jokić is adept at involving his teammates and boosting their confidence, Edwards’ supporting cast is less proven. Forcing him to yield the ball might result in less offensive damage, especially if the alternatives are limited, as Minnesota lacks other prolific scorers.
- Denying Edwards Access to the Rim: The Wolves thrive when Edwards penetrates defenses, as it opens up avenues for scoring and creates foul opportunities. While he can be a streaky shooter from beyond the arc, with nearly 40% shooting in playoffs, allowing him to settle for jump shots might backfire if he gets hot.
“We’ll need to assess whether to stay consistent with our approach or make adjustments,” Daigneault stated. The game flow and how Edwards reacts will play a crucial role in shaping Oklahoma City’s strategy.
Game 3 showcased Edwards at his best, but inconsistency is part of his playoff narrative, having fluctuated between explosions of scoring and quieter contributions. As the Timberwolves march towards the NBA Finals, Edwards is poised to elevate his game further.
“He plays with a fantastic tempo and force,” Daigneault acknowledged. “We did a solid job on him in the first two games, but he had 32 points in Game 3, and it came with difficulty. We played on our terms then, but he shifted the momentum back in Game 3, and he deserves credit for that.”
As the Thunder prepare for the pivotal moments ahead, it’s clear that the key to their success lies in how they strategize against Edwards. His trajectory this postseason will deeply influence the unfolding narrative of this series.
