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Anthony Edwards has now set another Minnesota Timberwolves franchise scoring record, once again leading a well-rounded team with title hopes.

The Minnesota Timberwolves welcomed back star guard Anthony Edwards from a significant injury absence. 

Edwards, 24, is in the midst of a career year, posting his best ever scoring, overall shooting and 3-point shooting marks. The Minnesota star has his team knocking on yet another playoff berth.

The Timberwolves have been met with ups and downs all season, from erratic play to untimely injuries. The team is still trying to get completely healthy as swingman Jaden McDaniels is set to miss a few more games. 

Edwards, however, has been a constant the entire season. The only time wasn’t when he was sidelined with inflammation in his knee. 

Hoping his team could stay afloat without him, Edwards’ itch to return to the court intensified as his absences piled up. 

Back in time for the final six games of the season, Minnesota needs the top version of Edwards to roll into the playoffs stress-free. 

Minnesota Timberwolves star makes surprising comments after return

The Timberwolves were in Dallas last night to take on the lottery-destined Mavericks, who have seen their season hopes crushed due to a myriad of injuries. 

Last night was Edwards’ first time in action since Minnesota’s blow-out road loss to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on March 15. 

Even in that game, it appeared Edwards wasn’t moving at full speed. He didn’t play a great game, either, scoring well below his average while shooting below 40% from the floor and 50% from the free-throw line. 

GettyMEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 31: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Before playing the Thunder, Edwards had been experiencing some discomfort in his knee, causing him to be listed as questionable on injury reports some nights. 

Finally, Edwards was sidelined and was announced to miss multiple weeks. Fortunately, the Timberwolves managed to keep the car on the road — going 4-2 with their star in street clothes — and stayed competitive minus a 20+ point loss to the Pistons. 

Meanwhile, Edwards was struggling to stay patient with his injury.

“I was miserable,” Edwards, reflecting on his two weeks off the court, told The Athletic. “I was a little stressed out. I told them I was insecure when I came back.”

It must’ve felt great for the Wolves star to make his return from injury. In last night’s win, Edwards tallied 23 points in just 17 minutes. He also connected on two out of three 3-pointers.

Minnesota nabbed its 46th win of the season and maintains a narrow lead in the standings over the sixth-seeded Houston Rockets. 

Time for Edwards, T-Wolves to lock in as postseason looms

Appearing in the Western Conference finals the last two seasons has placed weighty expectations onto Minnesota shoulders. 

It isn’t often the NBA sees a team led by a star under 25 making consecutive deep playoffs runs, but that surely speaks to Edwards’ talent and his team’s potential.

The Timberwolves are far from the best in basketball and aren’t expected to win a title, but their year-to-year progression suggests the team will be a significant player in the West for years to come. 

Minnesota excels defensively but experiences too many lapses on the other side of the ball. 

After beating a shorthanded Warriors team in the second round of last year’s playoffs, the Wolves struggled to look anywhere near the part against the Thunder; they lost in five games and were only competitive in two. 

The franchise will inevitably look to add talent and build a better supporting cast around Edwards as he approaches his prime. 

The outcome of this season will help indicate where the roster needs immediate help.