Sat May 24 00:20:00 UTC 2025: **Timberwolves’ Edwards Needs to Channel Lynx’s Collier for Finals Push**
**MINNEAPOLIS** – After a disappointing Game 1 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, the Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to Anthony Edwards to step up and lead the team to its first-ever NBA Finals appearance. Edwards, who had a lackluster performance with 18 points on 5-13 shooting in the 114-88 defeat, is being challenged to emulate the dominant play of Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier.
Collier, coming off a season where she led the Lynx to the WNBA Finals, has set the standard for superstar impact in the state. In 2024, Collier won her second gold medal at the Paris Olympics. She was named to the All-WNBA First Team for the second time in her career. Collier finished second in MVP voting to A’ja Wilson. And she was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year. With Collier’s leadership and the addition of Courtney Williams, the Lynx transformed from a 19-21 team in 2023 to a Western Conference-best 30-10 record in the regular season, ultimately falling short in the WNBA Finals against the New York Liberty.
Analysts say Edwards, who has shown flashes of brilliance in previous playoff series, needs to take control and impose his will on the game. While supporting players like Julius Randle need to maintain their level of contribution, Edwards must elevate his game to overcome the Thunder, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Edwards needs to channel Collier’s determination and leadership if the Timberwolves hope to overcome the Thunder and compete for an NBA championship.
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