- Edwards suffers ankle sprain in critical Game 2 vs Warriors
- Returns post-treatment to secure series-tying 117-93 victory
- Contributes 20 points/9 rebounds despite limited first-half play
- Medical team's rapid response proves crucial in playoff push
When Anthony Edwards collapsed under the basket during Thursday night's Western Conference semifinal, the Target Center crowd fell silent. The Timberwolves' franchise player had just endured a potentially series-altering injury, with Warriors rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis landing squarely on his left ankle during a contested fast break. Team medical staff rushed to the scene as the arena's 18,000 fans collectively held their breath.
Head coach Chris Finch admitted post-game: This was different from his previous scares. Our initial fear was a high-grade sprain that could sideline him for weeks.Edwards' resilience surprised even seasoned staffers – within 35 minutes of leaving the court, the All-Star guard completed targeted mobility tests and demanded heavy taping for a second-half return.
The Timberwolves' $5M/year medical team proved their worth during the critical halftime intervention. VP David Hines utilized proprioception drills and compression therapy to restore functional mobility, a protocol developed after studying Kawhi Leonard's 2019 championship recovery with Toronto. Edwards later credited the staff: When we hit the third mobility exercise, I knew I could push through. That adrenaline rush from the crowd? Best painkiller there is.
Minnesota's 24-8 third-quarter run following Edwards' return highlighted his two-way value. The guard shot 60% from the floor post-injury while containing Warriors star Stephen Curry to 2/7 three-point shooting. This performance continues a growing trend – per ESPN Stats, players returning from in-game ankle injuries this postseason are averaging 18.2 PPG in subsequent quarters.
Finch's squad now faces strategic decisions before Game 3. While Edwards insists he'll play without restrictions, team physiologists are implementing cryotherapy and biomagnetic treatments to reduce inflammation. The Wolves' 9-2 record in Edwards' injury-return games this season suggests they've mastered the art of crisis management – a vital skill against the championship-tested Warriors.