Anthony Edwards Addresses Criticism After Congratulating Spurs in Fourth Quarter: ‘That’s Why I’m Me’

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Anthony Edwards Addresses Criticism After Congratulating Spurs in Fourth Quarter: ‘That’s Why I’m Me’

Anthony Edwards responds to criticism for congratulating Spurs during Game 6 of playoff series: 'That's why I'm me' - Yahoo SportsMinnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards raised eyebrows during Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the San Antonio Spurs when he approached the Spurs’ huddle with eight minutes remaining to exchange handshakes and hugs. The Timberwolves were facing elimination, trailing 128-95, and the gesture sparked debate over timing and sportsmanship.

Edwards explained his perspective on his YouTube channel, emphasizing respect and his personal approach to competition.

“I feel like everybody’s just got their own opinion,” Edwards said. “There’s eight minutes left in the game, but we’re not going back in. When you win a playoff series, everybody is celebrating at the end of the game, so they’re going to be smiling, while I’m pissed off that we just lost.”

Anthony Edwards responds to criticism for congratulating Spurs during Game 6 of playoff series: 'That's why I'm me' - Yahoo Sports

During the timeout, Edwards congratulated the Spurs for their performance, a move Amazon Prime NBA analysts such as Dirk Nowitzki, Blake Griffin, and Udonis Haslem noted was unusual for that stage of a game. Haslem remarked, “As great as Ant is, as a basketball player, there’s still some growth for him as a leader. I would not have walked down there and shook their hands.”

Edwards defended his actions, saying he wanted to acknowledge the Spurs’ effort rather than wait and watch them celebrate the series win on Minnesota’s home court. “I didn’t want to dap them up at all, but then what would they be saying about me? It would have been a whole other conversation,” Edwards added. “I gave them the respect they deserve. I could’ve waited until the end of the game, that’s some people’s perspective, but I did what I did. That’s why I’m me and y’all are whoever y’all are.”

Report: Anthony Edwards wants Timberwolves to trade for Kyrie IrvingDespite playing through a bone bruise and hyperextension in his left knee from the first-round series against Denver, Edwards competed in all six games against the Spurs, averaging 23.7 points per contest, including 32 in Game 3 and 36 in Game 4, while shooting 47% from the field.

Looking ahead, Edwards signaled the Timberwolves’ intent to return stronger next season. “I tip my cap to them. They came out and balled. But we’ll be back. Y’all won, y’all beat us, but that won’t last forever,” he said.

5/29/2026

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