Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards scores 17 in return from injury

Minnesota star guard came off the bench in win over Mavericks after missing 6 games with knee pain.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:54am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract painting featuring bold, sweeping brushstrokes in neon shades of blue, orange, and pink, capturing the dynamic movement and energy of a basketball player in action.The Timberwolves' star guard Anthony Edwards returns from injury with an explosive performance, injecting new energy into the team's playoff push.Dallas Today

Minnesota Timberwolves star guard Anthony Edwards scored 17 points in 23 minutes off the bench in the team's 124-94 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night. Edwards was originally slated to start but was a late scratch due to what coach Chris Finch described as 'nature calls.' Edwards had missed the previous 6 games with pain in his right knee.

Why it matters

Edwards is a rising star in the NBA, averaging a career-high 29.5 points per game this season. His return from injury is a boost for the Timberwolves as they push for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. However, Edwards will need to play in all 8 remaining games to be eligible for All-NBA consideration.

The details

Edwards checked into the game 2:01 into the first quarter after being announced in the starting lineup. Coach Finch said 'Mike had my back' in referring to Mike Conley starting in Edwards' place. Edwards said he was 'miserable' sitting out and felt 'like a kid in a candy store' upon his return. Finch praised Edwards' defense and decision-making, saying 'things looked kind of easy for him.'

  • Edwards missed the previous 6 games with pain in his right knee.
  • The Timberwolves defeated the Mavericks 124-94 on Monday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Anthony Edwards

A rising star guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging a career-high 29.5 points per game this season.

Chris Finch

The head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Mike Conley

A veteran guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who started in place of Anthony Edwards.

Jaden McDaniels

The Timberwolves' starting power forward who is week-to-week with a left knee injury.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Nature calls”

— Chris Finch, Head Coach, Minnesota Timberwolves

“Mike had my back”

— Anthony Edwards, Guard, Minnesota Timberwolves

“Ant was awesome, man. His defense was outstanding. Just let the game come to him. Stayed aggressive. Made quicker decisions. And things looked kind of easy for him as a result.”

— Chris Finch, Head Coach, Minnesota Timberwolves

“I was miserable sitting out, feeling like a kid in a candy store upon my return.”

— Anthony Edwards, Guard, Minnesota Timberwolves

What’s next

Edwards will need to play in all 8 remaining Timberwolves games to be eligible for All-NBA consideration.

The takeaway

Anthony Edwards' return from injury is a big boost for the Timberwolves as they push for a playoff spot, though his eligibility for All-NBA honors will depend on him playing in all of the team's remaining games.