Anthony Edwards Misses Tip-Off in Wolves-Blazers Game for Amusing Reason

Even NBA players are late for work sometimes. 

Anthony Edwards had to come off the bench for the Minnesota Timberwolves for the first time since his rookie season during the team’s 119—114 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night at the Target Center. 

Edwards didn’t miss the start because he was being punished or placed on a minutes restriction. Amusingly enough, the Timberwolves star guard simply missed tip-off for the contest against the Blazers because he was distracted. 

So, as the television broadcast panned out for the opening tip, Edwards could be seen in the background, crouched in front of the scorers’ table waiting to enter the game. 

Edwards, who was replaced by Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the Wolves’ starting lineup, eventually checked into the game at the first whistle with 11:25 remaining in the first quarter. He finished the contest with 13 points, six assists, four rebounds and a steal in 35 minutes. 

It was the first time Edwards came off the bench since Jan. 27, 2021, as a rookie against the Golden State Warriors.

When Edwards was asked why he was late, Edwards responded that he simply “lost track of time,“ per the Associated Press. Edwards usually warms up with resistance bands outside his team’s locker room before games, per the AP, but it’s unclear whether that’s why he was late to Monday’s tip.

Edwards briefly left the game in the third quarter with an elbow contusion but later returned. 

Edwards, 22, is averaging 26.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game in 59 contests this season.

The Timberwolves (43–19) boast the best record in the Western Conference and return to the court for a road game against the Indiana Pacers (34–28) on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.