The 2025 Western Conference Finals feature two of the biggest stars in the league — and both are under the age of 27.
A significant reason that the Timberwolves vs. Thunder matchup has been highly anticipated is to see Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the likely 2024-25 MVP, go head-to-head. And in Game 1 on Tuesday night, there was already some drama between the two.
Early in the first quarter, Edwards intentionally tossed the basketball at Gilgeous-Alexander, who was laying on the ground following a shooting foul. He received a technical foul for his antics.
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Here's a look at how Edwards got in early trouble with the officials in the Western Conference Finals for his interaction with Gilgeous-Alexander.
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Anthony Edwards technical foul Game 1 vs. Thunder
Minnesota got off to a strong start in Game 1, taking an 8-0 lead before the Thunder could get in a rhythm. As Oklahoma City typically does, it got some momentum from Gilgeous-Alexander driving to the rim.
The Canadian guard got to the cup and drew a foul on Jalen McDaniels, remaining on the ground for a moment after the play. But when Edwards found himself with the ball, he flicked it in the exact direction of the Thunder star, hitting him in the knee.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 21, 2025Here's another look at the interaction, where it's pretty clear that Edwards' intentions were to have the ball land near Gilgeous-Alexander:
Anthony Edwards gets a tech for attacking Shai 😱 pic.twitter.com/ddomUwsRu9
— sea✰ (@destroynectar) May 21, 2025Edwards received a technical foul afterward, which resulted in Gilgeous-Alexander taking three free throws instead of two as the Thunder got right back in it.