Anthony Edwards Out For Several Weeks With Knee Injury; Timberwolves Lead First Round Series 3-1

Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Anthony Edwards will be out multiple weeks after suffering a bone bruise and a hyperextended knee against the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round.

Donte DiVincenzo also got hurt in Game 4, suffering a torn Achilles tendon. Despite this, the Timberwolves won 112-96.

Ayo Dosunmu stepped up after the injuries to Edwards and Divincenzo. He scored a career high of 43 points off the bench. Naz Reid also provided a spark off the bench with 17 points.

Through the first half, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray played very well for the Nuggets. Jokic had 14 points on 58% shooting, and Murray had 13 points on 46% shooting. In the second half, both shot under 40%. Jokic only hit one shot in 10 attempts. 

Christian Braun and Cam Johnson both found ways to be productive. However, they aren’t the stars of the Nuggets. When Jokic and Murray struggle, it’s hard for the Nuggets to win, even if other players step up. 

Edwards’ injury could’ve changed the game for the Timberwolves, but they may have already been prepared for the possibility of Edwards getting injured. Before this game, the Timberwolves said that Edwards was dealing with a runner’s knee. Runner’s knee happens when the knee is overused. It causes pain around and behind the kneecap. 

There are very few examples in NBA history of players getting runner’s knees. This could be due to the older generation’s slower pace or to sports science’s inability to track injuries as well. However, Stephen Curry has also dealt with runner’s knee this season. He missed several weeks after an MRI on his knee in February revealed the knee problem. 

With Edwards and DiVincenzo out, Dosunmu will likely become a starter. He started 19 games this season, including nine with the Timberwolves.