The Minnesota Timberwolves fell to a narrow defeat to the Golden State Warriors but Anthony Edwards was left far from happy.
He labelled the Timberwolves starting five as ‘terrible’ following the 115-116 loss which now sees them with a 21-19 record.
The comments come as somewhat of a surprise given the fact that Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo scored a combined 56 points for the team.
Edwards’ displays this season see him average 25-5-4 and this has certainly impressed Warriors star Draymond Green, Edwards is now expecting more from his fellow starters.
Edwards calls for ‘more energy’ from starters
The Timberwolves possess some of the league’s best talents, especially in their starting five with Edwards and DiVincenzo joined by Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels, but it appears they’re lacking something.
Edwards has never been shy about speaking up on issues, he recently let his frustrations be known regarding his double team treatment.
The latest gripe to bother Edwards was the effort that the Timberwolves starting five put in, the team were down 34-12 in the first quarter.
Speaking after the Warriors loss he did not hold back on his assessment, saying: “The starting five, we are terrible. Every game we come out low energy and the second group comes in and gives us energy.
“I would say the starting group gotta come out with more energy like we want to play the game of basketball, like we love the game.”
Edwards full of praise for DiVincenzo
DiVincenzo has made a major impact since joining the Timberwolves from the New York Knicks in October.
The star has been praised glowingly by coach Chris Finch for his recent displays and his 28-6-9 performance against the Warriors was another sign of his progression.
Teammate Randle admitted he has great ‘synergy’ with DiVincenzo, the pair both played together with the Knicks so perhaps it is no surprise.
The 27-year-old point guard is averaging 11 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game since joining the Timberwolves and Edwards explained what makes him so unique.
Asked how DiVincenzo is different compared to the other guards he’s started next to in his time in Minnesota, he said: “I think just how fast he plays, like his decisions. He’s either going to shoot it, give it back to me or drive it and make a play. So it’s easy to play off him.
“The way he shoot the ball, he can shoot from anywhere on the floor, sometimes I be like ‘damn’ and it’ll go in and I’ll be celebrating with him. His confidence is at an all-time high.”