The NBA Playoffs are heating up with every passing game. This time, the pressure is cranking up on another level. The teams are sharpening their focus, stars are expected to shine, and coaches are making tough decisions to get the best out of their players. And when the star player of the team doesn’t live up to his expectations, eyebrows are raised, and questions are asked. This time around, the player was even put in the spotlight by the coach! One conversation from FS1’s Speak this week got everyone talking, especially when Celtics legend Paul Pierce weighed in.

It was during a discussion about the second-round Playoff Game 2 that the conversation turned to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Co-host Joy Taylor brought up a key stat from Minnesota’s Game 1 loss to the Golden State Warriors, highlighting their disappointing effort. “Golden State had 18 offensive rebounds,” she noted, emphasizing the team’s height advantage. “The shooting was 0 of 15 for threes in the first half. They were one of 21 from three to start. Pretty brutal.” She then turned to Paul Pierce and asked the big question: “Do you like Chris Finch calling out Anthony Edwards?”

Paul Pierce didn’t hesitate. “I mean, I love it,” he said with conviction. “This is your star player. Listen, we’re in the second round, and you’re playing with the intensity of it being like a regular-season game. We’re in the second round of the playoffs. He’s absolutely right.” That’s a bold take, but Paul Pierce didn’t stop there. He pointed out the responsibilities that come with being the face of a franchise. He added, “Every week during the playoffs and the regular season, it’s always a conversation. Is this guy the next? Is he next(big name in NBA)? Well, if he’s going to be next, he’s got to show up every day and be consistent with that.”

Paul Pierce dug deeper into Edwards’ role and how leadership on the court isn’t just about making shots. “Yeah, it’s going to be nights your shot not going to be falling. I get it,” he admitted. “But there’s other things you can do to inspire your teammates.” He recalled how Edwards didn’t shoot well in the last game against the Lakers but brought intensity and attitude—something that was missing in Game 1 against Golden State. “He got in LeBron‘s face. He set the tone. He had an attitude on the court,” Pierce said. “That’s what you want to see now, especially when it’s Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler in front of you.”

And that’s the big picture here: Chris Finch isn’t just calling out his star player for a poor game; he’s demanding leadership. Paul Pierce made it clear that he respects Finch for doing so. “I’m happy that his coach says some things,” he said. “Obviously, he has a relationship that he can talk to the media about him like that. So let’s see how that carries in Game 2.” The message is clear: This is playoff basketball. There’s no room for cruise control.

Anthony Edwards Struggled in game 1, and Finch didn’t hold back

The Timberwolves came into the second round on a high after a strong series win over the Lakers. Confidence was over the roof, especially with Anthony Edwards leading the charge. But in Game 1 against the Golden State Warriors, things fell apart pretty much early. By halftime, the Minnesota Timberwolves trailed 44–31, and Edwards had scored just one point. It wasn’t until the 4th minute of the 2nd half that Ant-Man found his first basket of the night.

Coach Chris Finch didn’t entertain the issue! “It starts with Anthony,” he said bluntly. “You could see the light go out for a while.” Anthony Edwards missed all eight of his shots in the first half, including three from deep. The energy just wasn’t there, and when your star goes flat, it tends to have a ripple effect on the rest of the team.

Edwards bounced back in the second half, to his credit! Finishing with 23 points and 14 rebounds. But by then, the damage was done. “You’re the leader of the team,” Finch said. “Even if your shot’s not going, you still have to carry the energy.” That’s the kind of expectation that comes when you’re the face of the franchise.

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Now, as Game 2 approaches, and possibly without Stephen Curry, who’s out with a hamstring issue. This could be a golden opportunity for Minnesota to swing back and undo its mistakes to tie the series. But it’s only possible if Edwards brings the fire from the opening tip-off. The message from both Finch and Pierce? It’s time to live up to the expectations.