Anthony Edwards Fails to Spark Timberwolves in Loss to Bulls

The Minnesota Timberwolves suffered a disappointing loss to the Chicago Bulls on January 22, 2026, falling 120-115 at home. This defeat marked the Timberwolves’ fourth consecutive loss, putting additional pressure on their star guard, Anthony Edwards, to deliver in crucial moments. Despite his previous success in late-game scenarios, Edwards struggled to find his rhythm, significantly contributing to his team’s ongoing slump.

Edwards has gained a reputation for his clutch shooting this season, but his recent performance has raised concerns. Over the past two games, including the loss to the Bulls, he has made only 2 of 10 attempts in critical moments—a sharp decline from his earlier success. Edwards finished the game with 20 points, shooting just 9 for 25 from the field, and acknowledged that he did not perform up to his standards.

The closing minutes of the game underscored the Timberwolves’ challenges. With Minnesota leading by four points and just over a minute left, Edwards allowed Bulls guard Coby White to get an uncontested three-pointer, narrowing the deficit to one point. Chris Finch, head coach of the Timberwolves, noted that Edwards “stopped short” in his defensive effort, emphasizing the need for a more aggressive contest against a player of White’s caliber.

Reflecting on his performance, Edwards admitted, “If I play halfway like myself against Chicago, we win the game. So I don’t really blame nobody but myself.” His self-critique highlights the weight of expectation placed on him as a leader on the court.

Defensive Struggles and Missed Opportunities

The Timberwolves’ problems extended beyond Edwards’ performance. The team displayed a lack of defensive cohesion that has plagued them in recent games. Finch pointed out that Minnesota currently lacks a “defensive personality,” which is critical for a team that has previously thrived on strong defensive play.

In the game against Chicago, the Timberwolves failed to contain the ball handler, resulting in lapses that allowed the Bulls to capitalize with easy scoring opportunities. Edwards’ missed pass during a crucial offensive possession led to a turnover and an eventual go-ahead layup by Tre Jones.

The Timberwolves’ forward Julius Randle spoke about the need for greater effort and consistency, saying, “We know what we have to do to be better in the energy department. It’s a long season. There’s going to be ups and downs.” He expressed the importance of maintaining focus and energy throughout the game, which was evidently lacking against Chicago.

Edwards and his teammates are now faced with the challenge of reversing their current trajectory. With a season that has seen both highs and lows, finding consistent performance is essential for Minnesota to regain its footing in the league.

As the Timberwolves look ahead, Edwards’ ability to lead by example will be crucial. His recent struggles, while concerning, may serve as a catalyst for improvement. The team must rally around their star guard and address the defensive lapses that have hindered their efforts. Without a collective commitment to improvement, the Timberwolves risk continuing down a troubling path.