Timberwolves Coach Takes Blame for Edwards Injury Scare

NEW YORK — Timberwolves head coach Jordi Fernandez accepted responsibility for an injury scare involving star player Anthony Edwards during a game against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night.

Edwards briefly exited the game after he stepped back onto Fernandez’s foot while attempting a 3-pointer late in the second quarter. Although he was helped off the court, Edwards returned for the start of the second half, finishing the game with 28 points and five rebounds.

“I was out of bounds trying to move out of the way,” Fernandez said post-game. “I definitely have to be faster than that. Players’ health is the most important thing in the game, so next time I just have to move faster.”

The Timberwolves won the match, extending their winning streak to four games. The team is in a competitive race to finish among the top six in the Western Conference, aiming to avoid the play-in tournament.

Edwards, a three-time All-Star, has been instrumental for the Timberwolves this season, particularly after the team made significant roster changes during the offseason. Before Thursday’s game, he was averaging a career-best 27.3 points per game.

The Timberwolves cannot afford to lose Edwards as they seek to secure a favorable playoff position. His performance has been critical to the team’s success, making Fernandez’s concern about his health even more significant.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.