Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards talks controversial decision to dap up Spurs bench mid-game

The Minnesota Timberwolves saw their season come to a crushing halt on Friday night, but Anthony Edwards quickly stole the headlines with a controversial mid-game gesture.With eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and a blowout loss entirely out of reach, the Timberwolves star knew his night was over. Before checking out for the final time this year, a relaxed Edwards walked over to the San Antonio Spurs bench and warmly dapped up every single opposing player and coach.While some fans and analysts criticized the mid-game pleasantries as a sign of early surrender, the charismatic young guard defended his actions during his post-game press conference. Edwards kept it completely real about why he chose to salute his opponents before the final buzzer even sounded.“At that point, you know you ain't going back in, so you're just trying to get them the respect that they deserve,” Edwards told reporters. "At that point, you know you ain't going back in, so you're just trying to get them the respect that they deserve." Anthony Edwards speaks on why he went to the Spurs bench with 8 minutes left in the fourth 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/1NB8Oxvjih https://t.co/nSvnOg6kAT — ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 16, 2026For the third consecutive year, Minnesota’s postseason run ended in an embarrassing blowout defeat. Edwards simply could not find enough magic to carry the Timberwolves to a forced Game 7.The Spurs absolutely dominated the contest from the opening tip, building a massive 26-point lead. According to the box score, Edwards finished the night with 24 points, six rebounds, and two assists, but struggled heavily from the field, shooting just 9-of-26. His supporting cast completely failed to pick up the slack.He didn’t offer any excuses for the lopsided defeat either, bluntly admitting that the “Spurs were better” throughout the series.It is certainly a polarizing look for a franchise cornerstone during a season-ending elimination game. Still, that is just classic Ant-Man. He wears his emotions on his sleeve, even when his championship dreams are going down in flames. Now, Minnesota enters another long offseason searching for answers to break its stubborn playoff curse. Edwards and management have plenty of tough questions to answer this upcoming summer season.The Minnesota Timberwolves saw their season come to a crushing halt on Friday night, but Anthony Edwards quickly stole the headlines with a controversial mid-game gesture. With eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and a blowout loss entirely out of reach, the Timberwolves star knew his night was over.