Baskeball can often be unpredictable, and Anthony Edwards is currently experiencing a striking example of this unpredictability. The Minnesota Timberwolves guard, known for his shooting prowess, has fallen into an unprecedented cold streak that has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.
Edwards’ Early Season Performance
At the start of the season, Edwards demonstrated impressive skills. He successfully hit 9 of his 19 three-point attempts in the opening games. After suffering a hamstring injury, he returned to form, making 20 of his next 39 three-point shots over four games. This remarkable performance marked just the sixth time in his career he achieved at least 20 three-pointers in a four-game stretch, boasting a 51 percent efficiency.
Historic Cold Streak
Despite his promising start, Edwards’ shooting took a dramatic turn. In a recent game against the Sacramento Kings, he recorded just 1 of 7 from beyond the arc. This disappointing trend continued with the following performances:
- 0 of 8 against the Denver Nuggets
- 1 of 7 against the Dallas Mavericks
- 1 of 8 against the Washington Wizards
In total, Edwards made only 3 of 30 attempts, which significantly reduced his season-long three-point shooting percentage to 36.4.
NBA History
Edwards’ recent struggles have placed him in an unusual position in NBA history. He is now the first player to attempt at least seven three-pointers and hit no more than one in four consecutive games. This extends beyond the statistical importance; it underscores the unique nature of his current slump.
Previous Struggles
Before this stretch, the worst four-game performance in terms of three-pointers for Edwards came in spring 2024, where he was 5 for 31. In that instance, he broke a longer slump by making all five shots in a single game. Previously, he also faced a 2 for 23 dry spell in February 2022, but this current cold stretch presents a more significant challenge.
Impact on the Timberwolves
Despite Edwards’ shooting woes, the Timberwolves have managed to remain competitive. In fact, they have secured victories even with his minimal scoring from three-point range. Edwards acknowledged his poor performance in the loss to the Nuggets but contributed effectively in other areas, such as:
- Scoring with two-point shots
- Drawing fouls and going to the free-throw line
- Consistently playing solid defense with at least two steals in each of the last four games
Looking Ahead
The Timberwolves are hoping for a turnaround as they prepare for their next game against the Phoenix Suns, who have won 8 out of their last 10 games. Following that, a challenging matchup looms against the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder next Wednesday. While Edwards is in a notable cold streak, his history suggests he is likely to regain his shooting touch soon.
