NBA Star Faces Suspension After Accumulating Technical Fouls

LOS ANGELES — Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards will face a one-game suspension after accumulating his 16th technical foul during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. The suspension will affect Edwards’ participation in the upcoming Friday road game against the Dallas Mavericks unless the league reviews and rescinds one of his fouls.

According to NBA rules, players who reach 16 technical fouls during the regular season automatically receive a one-game suspension, and every subsequent two technicals result in another suspension. Once the playoffs begin, the count resets, but players can still face a suspension after accruing seven technical fouls.

Edwards achieved this mark before March for the first time since DeMarcus Cousins did so in the 2016-17 season, as noted by ESPN Research. He was ejected from Thursday’s game after receiving his second technical foul with 5:21 remaining in the third quarter.

Moments before his ejection, Edwards was involved in a double technical after exchanging shoves with Lakers forward LeBron James at the end of the first quarter. His second technical foul was issued after he voiced his frustration about a no-call following what he believed was a foul against him during a drive to the basket.

As he exited the court, Edwards tossed the game ball into the crowd, resulting in a delay-of-game warning directed at him. This incident adds to the scrutiny surrounding his temper and influence on the court.

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch expressed concern about Edwards’ outbursts but emphasized the need for the young player to channel his emotions constructively. “He has to find a way to express his competitive spirit without putting himself in jeopardy,” Finch stated.