Is Anthony Edwards’ knee limiting his play?

DENVER – The stat line in Game 1 provided little reason for concern. Anthony Edwards finished with 22 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three blocked shots in Minnesota’s loss Saturday to Denver.

Still, it didn’t quite look the same. Edwards is known for his incredible athleticism and burst. Both were, at least to some degree, lacking in the loss.

Yes, he got to the rim, but not as frequently as he probably should against a defense as susceptible to such attacks as Denver, nor with the anticipated ease. His jump shot didn’t feature the same lift, likely a reason Edwards went just 7 for 19 from the field. And the guard was not a positive defender.

All of that led to questions as to how much the superstar was potentially limited by his right knee. Edwards missed most of the final month of the regular season with right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome. He was listed as questionable heading into Game 1.

Saturday marked just his fourth appearance since March 16.

But Wolves coach Chris Finch said he didn’t see “a ton of physical limitations” with Edwards.

“It looked like a rusty game back,” Finch said.

Which is how Edwards described it, as well. He said he was “a little fatigued” at points in the contest. Aside from his usually robust offensive role, Edwards also spent some time chasing Nuggets guard Jamal Murray around an endless number of screens.

Sensing the guard was tired, Finch pulled Edwards earlier than he usually would in third quarter to get a breather.

“But that was expected,” Edwards said of the slightly shorter wind. “Other than that, I felt good.”

Wolves forward Julius Randle said he could tell Edwards’ rhythm was “a little off.” But Randle was hopeful Saturday’s game reps mixed in with some additional work Sunday would help Edwards get even closer to his traditional form in Game 2 on Monday.

“He looked normal for what he’s been through,” Finch said. “He had some good looks throughout the game. The touch maybe wasn’t there.

“It wasn’t the Ant we’re used to seeing, but it was as expected in terms of where he is in trying to find his rhythm.”