Anthony Edwards Admits The OKC Thunder Were Too Good

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Anthony Edwards Admits The OKC Thunder Were Too Good originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Minnesota Timberwolves had an impressive run to the Western Conference Finals for the second consecutive year in 2025. It was a superb run, but it was ended by the Oklahoma City Thunder, the team that eventually became champions.
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As the Timberwolves' superstar player, Anthony Edwards played under immense pressure. The Thunder honed in on him defensively, which led to him struggling. He tried his best, but the Thunder were too good.
Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Edwards has taken charge as the Timberwolves' star and leader. He understood that he could play better in the future, which is why he is ready to work hard in the 2025 offseason.
The Timberwolves will likely make some big changes, which include retaining players like Julius Randle and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. They already signed Naz Reid to an impressive five-year deal worth $125 million. Every Timberwolves player is pleased with that extension, but they are still reeling from the loss to the Thunder.
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Related: Julius Randle Makes Blunt Statement After Timberwolves Playoff Exit vs. Thunder
Edwards Acknowledges The Thunder's Impressive Quality
No team was better than the OKC Thunder during the 2024-25 season. The Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers kept it close, forcing Game 7 in their respective series. However, the Thunder were still superior to them.
That is similar to what Edwards and the Timberwolves felt because the Thunder were too much for them. Any player might find it hard to admit, but the Thunder outclassed everyone.
"Season five over. Got my a** whooped. KFC, UFC, USC, OKC in five, man. I'm not making excuses. They put belt to a**. I can't be mad at that," Edwards said after Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals. "Win or lose, I'm still going to talk s**t. You better win like a boss and lose like a boss... This is the first time in two years when I can work on my game, lock in on that. We're gonna be right back up their a** next year."
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Edwards knows what it would take to beat the Thunder, which will motivate him further. He is locked in on improving his game, which is a big deal because he has always been busy during the offseason playing for Team USA.
A Motivated Edwards Spells Trouble For The League
Edwards is motivated to lead the Timberwolves again. The two consecutive exits in the Western Conference Finals hurt, but that could be a good sign.
The Timberwolves are close to reaching the NBA Finals, where they could compete for the championship. It has been a challenging path to contention, but the Timberwolves have all the tools to return and advance to a bigger stage.
Edwards is one of the league's best players, and he is motivated to prove that he and the Timberwolves are the real deal. It will be hard, but players like Edwards thrive when the pressure is high.
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Related: Anthony Edwards Hailed As A Potential Top-100 Player Ever By Gilbert Arenas
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.