Wolves' Edwards ready for heavier workload after blowout loss to Spurs

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards scored 12 points in 24 minutes in a blowout loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday in San Antonio. Photo by Chris Torres/EPA

May 7 (UPI) -- Anthony Edwards says he is healthy enough to accept a heavier workload entering Game 3 of the Minnesota Timberwolves-San Antonio Spurs playoff series.

Edwards scored 12 points off the Timberwolves bench in a 133-95 Spurs dismantling of the Timberwolves in Game 2 of a Western Conference semifinals series Wednesday in San Antonio. He was in for 24 minutes, 11 fewer than his season average.

The Timberwolves guard, who returned from a hyperextended left knee and bone bruise, returned from a two-game hiatus to score 18 points in 25 minutes in Game 1, a 104-102 win Tuesday in San Antonio. He said Wednesday that the knee now "feels good" and is ready for more playing time.

"That's not up to me," Edwards said. "If it's required. Whatever's required."

The Spurs outshot the Timberwolves 50% to 39.8% in Game 2. They held advantages of 55-43 in rebounding and 29-19 in assists. They also recorded 15 turnovers, compared to 22 for their foes.

The Spurs outscored the Timberwolves 29-5 off fast breaks, 58-36 in the paint and 55-51 off the bench. They led by as many as 47 points. NBA MVP finalist Victor Wembanyama totaled 19 points and 15 rebounds. Second-year guard Stephon Castle logged a game-high 21 points.

"I thought the guys did a good job of playing with that appropriate urgency," Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said.

All four of the game's lead changes occurred in the first quarter. The Timberwolves took their final advantage 7:27 into Game 1. The Spurs answered with an 11-3 run to end the quarter and never trailed again. They outscored the visitors 35-18 in the second quarter and led 59-35 at the break.