Chris Finch challenges Anthony Edwards after Timberwolves' Game 1 loss - ESPN

MINNEAPOLIS — After the Timberwolves dropped Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series despite Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry's early exit, Minnesota coach Chris Finch challenged the performance of franchise star Anthony Edwards.

«It starts with Ant,» Finch said following the Wolves' 99-88 loss Tuesday night. «I thought he struggled and then you could just kind of see the light go out a little bit for a while.»

Edwards, who was No. 4 in the league in scoring average during the regular season at 27.6 points per game, totaled just 1 point at halftime on 0-for-8 shooting. Minnesota trailed 44-31 at the break.

He would miss his first 10 shots in all before making a basket, and finished with 23 points on 9-for-23 shooting (1-for-5 on 3-pointers).

Even after Curry's left hamstring strain caused him to leave the game after scoring 13 points in 13 minutes, the Wolves were unable to make much of an indent. Golden State led by as many as 23 points and Minnesota never cut the deficit closer than nine points in the second half.

Finch said addressing the 23-year-old Edwards' spirit shouldn't be something he should have to coach at this stage of the postseason.

«What is there to talk about? You're the leader of the team,» Finch said. «You've got to come out and set the tone. If your shot is not going, you still have to carry the energy. If I've got to talk to guys about having the right energy coming into an opening second-round game then we're not on the same page.»

Edwards, who had two steals in the first half while Minnesota held Golden State to 44 points on 37.2% shooting by the break, pointed to his defense as proof that his effort wasn't as off as Finch believed.

However, the three-time All-Star accepted any