Chris Finch explains how a shift in mindset for Anthony Edwards has helped the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Minnesota Timberwolves has won three straight games by an average of 21 points. In the three contests, they've averaged 129 points.
The offense has been humming, and head coach Chris Finch pointed to Anthony Edwards and how he's adapted his mindset as a reason why.
"Exponentially," Finch told reporters after Tuesday's victory over the Miami Heat when asked how much better the team is when Edwards leads the charge. "We know what he did with the big things, but he's really settling into kind of his point guard mentality, but still maintaining his aggressiveness."
"He's figuring out ways to get his teammates involved, whether it be screening off the ball, I think he's done a good job with that, or calling their number and keeping it simple. His defense has been great the last few games, too. really locked in. Survived foul trouble [against the Heat], but at least he got those fouls trying to be physical."
Off Ball Creation
Though his assist numbers are down, averaging 3.6 assists per game, the second-lowest average of his career, Finch pointed to Edwards' ability to create off the ball as a driver of the offense.
"Having Bones (Hyland) and Mike (Conley) in there has allowed us to kind of move Ant off ball more and mix it up. Get to some of the things he really likes off the ball that we haven't really been able to. It gives us another dimension."
"Playing more through Julius (Randle), like we know we need to. He's taken that burden off Ant a bit. Just letting everyone create, initiate enough offense that they feel like they're in the flow. It's about making a commitment to passing. That's what we've done," he said.
The Timberwolves are averaging 119.6 points per game, which is five points better than their 114.3 average last season.
Still Scoring
Though Edwards might be settling into a playmaker mentality, it's his scoring numbers that have risen.
He's averaging a career best 29.3 points per game on 50% from the field and 40% from three. Both shooting percentages are also career highs for the former first overall pick. He's dropped his volume from three and made more of an effort to get to the rim, with 20% of his shots coming within three feet, up from 17% last season.
In driving more, he's getting to the line more, averaging one more free throw than he did last year, all while his usage has stayed the same from last season.