After Anthony Edwards failed to get the Timberwolves over the hump in Game 1, Chris Finch had a clear message for him, “You’re the leader of the team and you’ve gotta come out and set the tone. If your shot’s not going, like you still have to carry the energy you know.” Ant-Man just couldn’t lock in—his shot was off all night, going 9-for-22 from the field and finishing with a quiet 23 points. The frustration was written all over his game, and it bled into the Wolves’ energy. You can bet Chris Finch is crossing his fingers for a more fired-up version of his star in Game 2.

“We didn’t bring the energy tonight. We wasn’t ready. That’s on me,” Ant-Man admitted after the loss. “I gotta be ready—and I wasn’t. Next game gonna be better, fo sho.” So if you’re wondering whether Edwards might miss the next showdown—don’t count on it. He’s not on the Wolves’ injury report.

Yes, there were some raised eyebrows after he tweaked his ankle in Tuesday’s game, landing awkwardly on a drive and immediately favoring it. Even the announcers flagged it live. But in true Ant-Man fashion, he bounced back up and kept it moving—pain or not, he’s locked in for the Warriors clash.

It’s great news that the issue was not serious, and Edwards is fully healthy. Something similar happened in the previous series against the Lakers. In Game 1, Ant briefly left the floor due to a calf cramp, but returned soon after. He did not miss any games and led his team to a dominant first-round gentleman sweep.

Now, Wolves fans expect him to do the same against the Warriors. Another loss at home would put their season in serious jeopardy. So, tonight’s game is somewhat of a must-win for the Minnesota team and all eyes will be on Ant-Man to save the day. Moreover, the pressure is on Edwards to bounce back after Finch blamed him for Tuesday’s loss.

Chris Finch highlights glaring Anthony Edwards concern as one Wolves player set to miss Game 2

On Tuesday, the Wolves got a golden opportunity to turn things around when Stephen Curry left the game due to a sudden hamstring issue. But it was clear that something was not clicking for the home team. They shot 34 of 86 from the field and missed 24 of their 29 three-point attempts. Their energy level dropped, and they missed their chance of making a comeback.

Frustrated by his team’s performance, Finch publicly called out their leader, “It starts with Ant, I thought he struggled early and then you could just kind of see the light go out a little bit for a little while, then obviously we tried to get him going in the second half but…” The head coach also expressed disappointment in the team’s declined energy, “I don’t think there is, if I gotta talk to guys about having the right energy coming into opening second round game, then you know we’re not on the same page.”

Well, they have a chance to change things tonight by levelling the series. They have a clear advantage now that Steph has been sidelined for at least a week with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain. Meanwhile, the Wolves are heading into the game almost fully healthy.

The only player sidelined is Rob Dillingham, with a right ankle sprain. That will not impact Finch’s strategy because Rob has not been a part of his rotation in these playoffs. So, Anthony Edwards and Co. have no excuse to lose tonight. Do you think they can bounce back and bring the series to level terms?