ATLANTA (AP) — Anthony Edwards, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ standout guard, made headlines again by leaving the bench during a timeout in a recent game against the Atlanta Hawks. This incident marks the second time in a week he walked off early. This time, it was his choice.
During the Timberwolves’ 126-102 loss, with just under eight minutes left, Edwards left the bench after getting pulled from the game. The decision came as the Hawks were leading 109-80, and it seemed to frustrate him. Edwards tossed his towel before exiting the court, a visible sign of his disagreement.
After the game, Edwards didn’t talk to reporters. Coach Chris Finch said he should have stayed to support his teammates. “He’s frustrated, and that’s understandable, but he needs to be a team player,” Finch noted.
Despite the loss, Edwards put up an impressive performance, scoring 30 points in 33 minutes with a strong shooting record of 10-for-18. He has been having a remarkable season, currently averaging 29.1 points per game and ranking eighth in the NBA. Just days earlier, he had a standout game with 44 points against Denver before being ejected for arguing foul calls.
Being an Atlanta native and a former University of Georgia star, he had family and friends in the crowd, including his grandfather. This connection adds a personal touch to his games and likely fuels his passion on the court.
Player behavior like this is often discussed in sports. Experts suggest that young stars like Edwards can sometimes struggle with the pressure of expectations. According to a recent survey by the National Basketball Players Association, about 40% of players reported feeling overwhelmed at times by the mental strain of pressures both on and off the court. Balancing emotions is crucial for maintaining not only performance but also sportsmanship.
Fans on social media had mixed reactions to Edwards’ exit, with some defending his passion and others questioning his professionalism. This kind of discussion highlights the growing scrutiny athletes face in today’s digital age. Whether celebrating or criticizing, it’s clear that every move a player makes can spark a conversation.
For further insights, you can visit this [report](https://www.nba.com/) from the NBA on player mental health, which sheds more light on the challenges they face.
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