Anthony Edwards Suspended One Game for 16th Technical Foul

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards has been suspended for one game following an ejection for receiving his 16th technical foul of the season during Thursday night’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. The suspension will see Edwards miss the Timberwolves’ game against the Utah Jazz on Friday.

Edwards was ejected with 5:21 remaining in the third quarter of the Timberwolves’ 111-102 loss. The incident occurred after a confrontation with Lakers guard Gabe Vincent, leading to a second technical foul when Edwards argued a non-call on a driving attempt. He expressed his frustration towards referee Brent Barnaky just before receiving the technical.

“Whatever they’re gonna do, bruh,” Edwards told ESPN as he exited Crypto.com Arena. “I don’t even know. They should rescind the second technical.”

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch noted the necessity for improvement in Edwards’ conduct, saying, “He’s got to be better. He’s had too many outbursts. I think a lot of them are deserved.” Finch argued that a foul should have been called on Vincent during the play that precipitated Edwards’ outburst.

According to NBA rules, accumulating 16 technical fouls results in an automatic one-game suspension. For every two additional technical fouls, another game will be added to the suspension. Edwards now leads the NBA in technical fouls this season, becoming the first player to reach this number before March since DeMarcus Cousins in 2016-17, according to ESPN Research.

While walking toward the locker room after his ejection, Edwards threw the ball into the stands, which could result in a fine. He has already been fined $285,000 for various infractions this season, including a $50,000 fine for an obscene gesture in January.

Finch reflected on Edwards’ demeanor, stating, “Ant’s a pleasant guy. He’s not an angry guy. He’s not a mean guy. It’s just these outbursts he has that come out of frustration.”

Despite the controversies, Edwards has been impactful on the court, averaging 27.3 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game this season. The Timberwolves, currently in eighth place in the Western Conference with a record of 32-28, will be challenged without their leading scorer.

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.