The Western Conference Finals are a wrap—and the Oklahoma City Thunder are marching on. For the Minnesota Timberwolves, it’s heartbreak once again. But while the team has shown it can bounce back from postseason setbacks, this one feels different. In fact, based on Anthony Edwards’ reaction to a postgame question that struck a nerve, it might be the end of the road for someone in that locker room.

What’s interesting, though, is that despite this being the Timberwolves’ second straight Conference Finals exit—and despite getting blown out by 30 in an elimination game—Anthony Edwards didn’t sound heartbroken. That might seem odd. Most stars would be gutted. But Ant? His disappointment wasn’t for himself. It was for Mike Conley.

“I mean, it’s exciting for me. I’m 23. I get to do it a whole bunch of times. I’m hurt more so for myself for Mike. I came up short for Mike. Like I said, we tried last year. We couldn’t get it. We tried again this year. We’re going to try again next year,” he said. And you might have already joined the dots. The Timberwolves are going to try again, so why does he feel bad for Conley? The implication is clear – the 37-year-old Mike Conley is likely on his way out of Minnesota. So as he tried to clear up his feelings on tonight’s loss, Ant ended up revealing Mike’s future.

But he wasn’t done yet. The 23-year-old made sure to reiterate that he was not a fan of the insinuation that tonight’s loss hurt him. “Hurting is a terrible word to use. I’m good,” said the Olympic Gold Medalist. And it makes sense why he’s offended by the reporter saying he was hurt. After all, it’s clear Ant thinks very highly of himself. No one presses Barack Obama if they don’t. So, for him, it’s simply about getting back on the horse and making sure he doesn’t make the same mistake thrice.

But, to that end, what are some of the takeaways for Anthony Edwards after 2 consecutive Western Conference Finals exits? Let’s see.

What can Anthony Edwards learn from tonight’s loss and Playoffs exit?

First off, Anthony Edwards can’t ignore the sting of back-to-back conference finals losses. At 23, he’s already achieved something most young players only dream of. But he didn’t conquer that stage. He got humbled. And that punch in the gut? It’s exactly what he needs. The first lesson: embrace the sucker-punch. Generational talents like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Dončić showed up stronger and more relentless over the last two years. Edwards must take that realization straight to his ego, let it light a fire under him.

Second, consistency matters more than flashes of brilliance. Sure, he can finish with either hand and hit threes at a high volume. But the best players are not only dangerous—they’re accountable every single night, even when shots aren’t falling. Invisible scoring droughts can’t happen if he wants to be “the best in the game.” Third, turn humility into hunger. Learn from every mistake, every defensive adjustment that slowed him down. Study how those conference finals stars prepare, practice, and bounce back. Then outwork them.

Finally, demand the right help. Talent only wins when it’s surrounded by smart role players and steady vets. If Edwards teams up with complementary pieces—and if he himself brings the same force he expects from others—next time he won’t slip on a banana peel. See, Michael Jordan never made it to the NBA Finals without Scottie Pippen. Even LeBron James needed to move to Miami and partner up with Dwyane Wade to win his first chip. All this is to say that individual greatness on its own simply isn’t enough in a game like basketball.

Tonight’s loss hurts. But if he channels that pain into a fierce offseason drive, he’ll be ready to finish the job.