Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards Blasts Refs, Receives $40,000 Fine

Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Anthony Edwards received a $40,000 fine from the NBA Wednesday for criticizing referees. Edwards repeatedly commented to reporters about officiating decisions after the team’s 107-101 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday.

“The refs was bad tonight. Yeah, they was terrible,” Edwards said after the game Tuesday, according to ESPN. “The cat got their tongue tonight, so it’s all good. It’s not fair, but it’s all good.”

The NBA has several rules protecting referees and has levied several similar fines against players and referees in the past. Edwards did not seem vocal during the game, but his comments after the game were more than enough based on league precedent.

Paul George and Steve Kerr have also reportedly received similar fines for the same infraction.

“I’m going to take the fine, because the refs did not give us no calls tonight,” Edwards said after the game.

Though the Timberwolves struggled with referees earlier this week, they still won against the Thunder and continued a stellar season. With another dominant 121-87 win over the Mavericks Wednesday, the team improved to 34-14 and is currently first in the Western Conference. The Thunder is currently the only team within striking distance and just fell to Minnesota earlier this week.

Minnesota’s ascendance to championship contender in the 2023-24 season coincides with the best year of Edwards’ young career. In 45 games, the rising star is scoring 25.5 points per game. He and big man Karl-Anthony Towns have formed one of the best duos in the league, racking up regular season wins with a high-flying offense.

Edwards’ $40,000 fine will likely be an afterthought as he looks to carry on this promising Timberwolves season. Barring a late-season collapse, the team is almost certain to earn a high seed in the playoffs. It would be an unfamiliar role for a Minnesota team typically accustomed to also-ran status.