MINNEAPOLIS — The fragility of contending in the NBA playoffs was illustrated in the hush of the Target Center crowd, in their collective eyes looking at the far end across from the Golden State Warriors bench, across from an NBA legend wearing street clothes instead of a team uniform.
The frailty of Anthony Edwards’ right ankle, or strength of it, stood between the Minnesota Timberwolves feeling like the Larry O’Brien trophy is open for anyone to claim or misery — not just for one night but for their future.
You believe the NBA held its collective breath, one game after Stephen Curry’s hamstring injury sullied the possibility of this being a full-throated star-studded series, losing a young marquee star in these playoffs felt cruel.