The Minnesota Timberwolves finally welcomed back their cornerstone star on Monday night, but the return didn't exactly go according to the script. In a bizarre turn of events that quickly went viral across social media, Anthony Edwards misses tip-off against the Portland Trail Blazers, leaving fans, officials, and even his own teammates momentarily confused as the game began without him.
Edwards, who was returning to the lineup after a six-game absence, was expected to be in his usual starting spot. However, as the referees prepared to toss the ball at center court, the All-Star guard was nowhere to be found. The Timberwolves were forced to make a last-second adjustment, sending Nickeil Alexander-Walker onto the floor to take Edwards' place for the opening possession.
The Reason Behind the Delay: "Nature Calls"
While speculation initially ranged from a late equipment change to a potential injury flare-up, the truth was far more relatable. According to team sources and post-game reports, the reason Anthony Edwards misses tip-off was simply a matter of timing and biology. As the saying goes, "nature calls," and Edwards was occupied in the restroom when the game officially commenced.
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch addressed the oddity after the game, noting that Edwards was in the building and preparing for the contest but simply lost track of the countdown to the start of the game. Edwards eventually emerged from the tunnel and checked into the game at the first dead ball, which occurred just 35 seconds into the first quarter. Because Alexander-Walker started the game in his place, the incident technically goes down as Edwards coming off the bench for the first time this season, though he played his usual heavy minutes thereafter.
Impact on the Court and Edwards' Performance
Despite the unconventional start to his evening, Edwards didn't let the pre-game mishap rattle his focus. In his first game back following his six-game hiatus, he looked to regain his rhythm within the Timberwolves' offensive flow. He finished the night with a balanced stat line that helped propel Minnesota to a 119-114 victory over the Trail Blazers.
Anthony Edwards' final stats for the night included:
- 13 points on 4-of-10 shooting
- 6 assists, showcasing his playmaking growth
- 4 rebounds in 35 minutes of action
While his scoring total was lower than his season average, his presence on the floor provided a much-needed boost to a Timberwolves squad that had been navigating a difficult stretch without their leading scorer. The win was crucial for Minnesota as they continue to jostle for seeding in a highly competitive Western Conference playoff race.
A Significant Return for the Timberwolves
The headline of the night may have been the bathroom break, but the real story for Minnesota fans was the return of their leader. Edwards had been away from the team for personal reasons, missing six consecutive games. His return marks a transition back to full strength for a team that has championship aspirations this season.
The Timberwolves' depth was tested during his absence, but the team managed to stay afloat. Now, with Edwards back in the rotation—and hopefully keeping a closer eye on the pre-game clock—the focus shifts toward building chemistry for the final stretch of the regular season. The chemistry between Edwards and fellow stars Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert remains the engine that drives Minnesota's success.
Looking Ahead: Minnesota's Playoff Push
With the "nature calls" incident now behind them, the Timberwolves can look forward to a more traditional routine in their upcoming matchups. The victory over Portland moves them closer to their goal of securing home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. For Edwards, the game served as a necessary "rust-shaker" to get his conditioning back to game speed.
As the NBA season enters its most critical phase, every game counts. While the night Anthony Edwards misses tip-off will likely be remembered as a humorous footnote in his career, the Timberwolves are simply happy to have their star back on the court when it matters most. Fans can expect Edwards to be front and center for the next opening tip, with a renewed focus on both the game clock and his pre-game preparations.
Sources & Original Reporting
