Minnesota Timberwolves lose Anthony Edwards to knee injury in Game 4
Minnesota Timberwolves guards Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo suffered game-ending injuries during a costly Game 4 playoff clash against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.
Edwards had to be helped to the locker room late in the second quarter after appearing to hyperextend his left knee.
The explosive scorer leaped to contest a drive by Denver wing Cam Johnson but landed awkwardly, causing his joint to bend backward.
Unable to put weight on his leg, the franchise cornerstone slammed the floor in visible pain before being officially ruled out shortly after halftime.
Double blow for Minnesota
The hyperextension compounded what was already a disastrous first half for the hosts.
Starting shooting guard DiVincenzo lasted just 79 seconds of the contest before sustaining a non-contact lower right leg injury.
The sharpshooter planted his foot to chase an offensive rebound following a missed attempt, only for his leg to suddenly give out.
He immediately reached for his lower ankle area and required assistance from trainers to leave the court.
Ongoing fitness concerns
These latest setbacks threaten to derail Minnesota’s promising postseason run, as they currently hold a 2-1 lead over Denver in this first-round series.
Fitness issues have plagued the Timberwolves’ talisman recently, with Edwards missing 11 of the team’s final 14 regular-season fixtures due to a persistent right knee problem.
He had been wearing a protective sleeve on his right leg and was listed as questionable heading into the opening three games of the playoffs.
Meanwhile, DiVincenzo’s absence leaves a significant void in the starting lineup following a stellar campaign of durability and production.
Crucial playoff impact
The reliable guard started all 82 regular-season games, sinking the sixth-most three-pointers in the NBA while averaging 12.2 points per night.
He had also been instrumental in establishing the early series advantage, contributing double-digit scoring figures in each of the first three matchups.
Medical staff will now nervously assess both players as Minnesota faces a critical juncture in their postseason journey.
