Anthony Edwards
The NBA has handed Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards a one-game suspension after receiving his 16th technical foul of the season during Thursday night’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Edwards was ejected from the game following a double technical, pushing his season total past the league’s disciplinary threshold. Under NBA rules, any player or coach who accumulates 16 technical fouls during the regular season is automatically suspended for one game without pay.
Additionally, they will face another one-game suspension for every two technical fouls beyond that mark. The ruling was confirmed in an official statement from NBA Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars.
The 22-year-old guard’s frustration boiled over midway through the third quarter when he vehemently protested a non-call. After being assessed his second technical, Edwards lingered on the court before tossing the ball into the stands at Crypto.com Arena. While the NBA has not yet announced any additional punishment for the incident, the act could potentially result in a fine.
This marks the third ejection of Edwards’ career and came at a costly moment for the Timberwolves. Before his exit, he had logged 18 points, six rebounds, and five assists without committing a single turnover. At the time of his ejection, the Timberwolves trailed the Lakers 74-59, and despite mounting a comeback that cut the deficit to just three points in the fourth quarter, Minnesota ultimately fell short, losing 111-102.
As a result of the suspension, Edwards will miss Friday night’s contest against the Utah Jazz. His absence is a significant blow to the Timberwolves, as he has been a cornerstone of their offense this season.
Edwards is currently averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, turnovers, and minutes per game while also posting an impressive .535 effective field goal percentage.
With Minnesota in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race, Edwards’ discipline and composure will be crucial as the team pushes toward the postseason.
