Getty

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 05: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves warms up before the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 05, 2025 in New York City.

Heading into the second-round series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the San Antonio Spurs, the 19-year veteran Mike Conley and his team didn’t anticipate having Anthony Edwards available.

During the round one series against the Denver Nuggets, Edwards suffered a knee injury, which placed him on a week-to-week timeline. He was in danger of potentially missing the round.

GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 23: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates his three-point basket against the Denver Nuggets in the second quarter of Game Three of the First Round of the 2026 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on April 23, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

Leading up to Game 1, Edwards was surprisingly upgraded to questionable. Eventually, the Timberwolves cleared the star guard for action.

After his first game back, Edwards landed heavy praise from his longtime veteran, Mike Conley, who couldn’t believe the young star made it back in time for the start of second round.

Mike Conley Speaks On Anthony Edwards

GettyPORTLAND, OREGON – OCTOBER 22: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on October 22, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

“I called him my hero before the game,” Conley told reporters after Game 1.

“It’’s like, you look up to somebody for what he just put himself through in the last week just to get ready for Game 1. I mean, nobody expected him to play. His level of commitment to the game, it just showed a lot. The respect that he has for us, the opportunity that we have in front of us, speaks volumes for how he came out today.”

Edwards had some limitations. The star guard came off the bench and played for just 25 minutes in a tight game. He made the most of each minute and each shot, producing an efficient 18 points by going 8-13 from the field.

Along with his scoring, Conley produced three assists and came down with three rebounds.

Timberwolves Take A Lead

GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 10: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts after defeating the Golden State Warriors in Game Three of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Chase Center on May 10, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Clearly, the Timberwolves are better off with Edwards on the floor.

While they managed to pull off the upset against Denver in round one, winning two out of the three and a half games Edwards didn’t play, San Antonio was surely going to be a bigger challenge considering the circumstances.

Edwards’ presence was major. The Timberwolves might’ve been the underdogs, but that hasn’t bothered them throughout the playoffs. Minnesota secured a 104-102 win on the road in San Antonio. They are now up 1-0 in the series.