Anthony Edwards leaves bench after Timberwolves pull starters
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Chris Finch on Ant leaving game: ‘He needs to stay out on the floor’ (0:18)
Minnesota coach Chris Finch reacts to Anthony Edwards leaving the Timberwolves’ bench and court after Finch pulled his starters in the fourth quarter vs. Atlanta. (0:18)
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ESPN News Services
Dec 31, 2025, 06:57 PM ET
ATLANTA — Anthony Edwards left the Minnesota bench and the court during a timeout late in the Timberwolves’ 126-102 loss at the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.
The unplanned and unapproved exit of the Minnesota star came during a timeout with 7 minutes, 52 seconds remaining. Edwards apparently disagreed with coach Chris Finch pulling his starters with the Hawks leading 109-80. Edwards tossed his towel and left the bench.
Edwards did not speak with reporters after the game. Finch told reporters that he should have remained on the bench.
«Obviously frustrated with the performance and rightfully so, but he needs to stay out on the floor and root for his team,» Finch said.
Edwards led the team with 30 points while making 10 of 18 shots, including three 3-pointers, in 33 minutes.
The high-scoring guard began the night eighth in the NBA with his average of 29.1 points.
He also was ejected in overtime of the Timberwolves’ 142-138 loss at Denver on Thursday. He scored 44 points before an ejection for arguing foul calls.
Edwards, an Atlanta native and former University of Georgia star, had friends and family, including his grandfather, at Wednesday’s game.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
