Anthony Edwards Responds to Backlash Over Congratulating Spurs Early

Anthony Edwards went viral during the second round of the playoffs when he was seen congratulating the San Antonio Spurs on a series victory, despite there still being eight minutes remaining on the clock.

In a blowout, Edwards walked across the court to the Spurs' bench and shook hands with several players.

While the game was already well out of reach for Minnesota and Edwards had largely been on the bench as the reserves checked in, many criticized the moment as premature and felt his actions were unnecessary given the game had not officially ended.

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For the first time since the Timberwolves' playoff exit, Edwards addressed the criticism he received.

"When you win a playoff series everybody is celebrating at the end of the game," Edwards said. "They'll be smiling while I'm pissed off. I was like ‘let me go ahead and congratulate these boys because I'm not going to be laughing with y'all after you whooped my [expletive].' I didn't want to go dap them [expletive] up at all. But then what would they have said about me? That's why I'm me and y'all are whoever y'all are."

Edwards and the Timberwolves have now been eliminated from the postseason in five consecutive seasons, despite making back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances in 2024 and 2025 with Edwards leading the way.

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This story was originally published May 23, 2026 at 2:57 PM.