‘Nature Calls’: Anthony Edwards Misses Tipoff, Scores 17 For Minnesota

DALLAS, TX — Anthony Edwards still found a way to make an impact Monday night even after missing the opening tip.

The All-Star guard came off the bench in a 124-94 win over the Dallas Mavericks after a brief delay to start the game, despite initially being listed in the starting lineup.

Mike Conley took his place at tipoff before Edwards checked in just over two minutes later.

After the game, Edwards gave a candid explanation for the late arrival.

"I was taking a [expletive]," he said.

Head coach Chris Finch kept it simple: "Nature calls."

Edwards finished with 17 points in 23 minutes in his return after missing six games with right knee soreness. He said it was tough watching from the sideline early, but once he got on the floor, he settled in quickly.

Finch said Edwards let the game come to him and stood out defensively, calling his performance "outstanding."

Edwards is averaging a career-best 29.5 points per game this season, ESPN reported.

He has appeared in 58 games and would need to play in each of Minnesota’s remaining games to qualify for All-NBA consideration.

The Timberwolves also announced Monday that forward Jaden McDaniels is week-to-week after an MRI revealed a knee issue, dealing another injury to the team’s rotation as the regular season winds down.