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Anthony Edwards technical foul: Timberwolves star tosses ball at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Game 1 vs. Thunder

Daniel Mader

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Anthony Edwards technical foul: Timberwolves star tosses ball at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Game 1 vs. Thunder image

(Alonzo Adams)

The 2025 Western Conference Finals feature two of the biggest stars in the league — and both are under the age of 27.

A significant reason that the Timberwolves vs. Thunder matchup has been highly anticipated is to see Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the likely 2024-25 MVP, go head-to-head. And in Game 1 on Tuesday night, there was already some drama between the two.

Early in the first quarter, Edwards intentionally tossed the basketball at Gilgeous-Alexander, who was laying on the ground following a shooting foul. He received a technical foul for his antics.

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Here's a look at how Edwards got in early trouble with the officials in the Western Conference Finals for his interaction with Gilgeous-Alexander.

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Anthony Edwards technical foul Game 1 vs. Thunder

Minnesota got off to a strong start in Game 1, taking an 8-0 lead before the Thunder could get in a rhythm. As Oklahoma City typically does, it got some momentum from Gilgeous-Alexander driving to the rim.

The Canadian guard got to the cup and drew a foul on Jalen McDaniels, remaining on the ground for a moment after the play. But when Edwards found himself with the ball, he flicked it in the exact direction of the Thunder star, hitting him in the knee.

Here's another look at the interaction, where it's pretty clear that Edwards' intentions were to have the ball land near Gilgeous-Alexander:

Edwards received a technical foul afterward, which resulted in Gilgeous-Alexander taking three free throws instead of two as the Thunder got right back in it. 

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Daniel Mader

Daniel Mader is a Content Producer for The Sporting News. He joined SN in 2024 as an editorial intern following graduation from Penn State University. He has previously written for Sports Illustrated, NBC Sports, the Centre Daily Times, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Daily Collegian and LancasterOnline. Daniel grew up in Lancaster, Penn., with a love for baseball that’ll never fade, but could also talk basketball or football for days.