Image Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

“They’re Making Edwards a Jump Shooter” – Isiah Thomas Sees Jordan Parallel As OKC’s Defense Breaks Down Anthony Edwards

Timberwolves Star Suffers Michael Jordan Treatment

Image Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Timberwolves are on the brink of elimination after losing momentum in the Western Conference Finals. They’ve struggled against the OKC Thunder, and a blowout series loss now looms large.

One of the key reasons behind Thunder’s success has been shutting down Anthony Edwards. The 23-year-old has been neutralized by OKC’s double teams, leaving him little room to drive. Instead he has been forced to jump shoot.

Anthony Edwards in the first half:

9 points
3/10 FG
0/5 3PT
-28

Can Minnesota come back?

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— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 29, 2025

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NBA legend Isiah Thomas broke down the strategy of OKC Thunder’s defense by comparing it to the tactics that the Pistons employed against Michael Jordan. Isiah Thomas, a core part of the Bad Boys Pistons, famously battled Jordan throughout the late ‘80s.

Isiah Thomas said, “We wanted to make him(Michael Jordan) a jump shooter. That’s what OKC right now is doing to Minnesota. They’re making Ant Edwards a jump shooter, they’re double-teaming him off screens, high screen-and-roll, side screen-and-roll, and you see in transition, everybody’s loading to the ball.”

Anthony Edwards has been off-form for most of the Western Conference Finals. In the previous game against the Thunder, he managed to score just 16 points on 13 shots. While on the other hand, SGA has consistently taken over the games.

Timberwolves Star Faces Harsh Judgment

With the kind of performances that Timberwolves and Anthony Edwards have been putting against the OKC Thunder, NBA analysts have ripped apart Edwards. The 23-year-old who was being touted as the future league face is on the brink of a second straight Western Conference Finals’ loss.

Charles Barkley was blunt suggesting Edwards is nowhere near ready to be the face of the league.. It is rather Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo who are the faces of the league. Edwards, who managed to have an easier run in the playoffs, faltered in the first major challenge.

Edwards cruised past a fragile Lakers squad lacking any real defensive structure in the first round. While during the semi finals, he dominated against the Golden State Warriors who were without Steph Curry. In the first match that Curry was available, the Warriors went on to beat the Wolves effortlessly.