Anthony Edwards' Historic NBA Slump

The Unprecedented Cold Streak

After a blistering start to the 2025 NBA season, Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards has found himself in the midst of a shooting slump so profound it has never been seen in NBA history. Following a hot stretch where he connected on over 50% of his three-pointers across multiple games, Edwards has gone completely cold from beyond the arc.

In his last four games—a stretch against the Kings, Nuggets, Mavericks, and Wizards—Edwards attempted 30 three-pointers and made a mere three. This translates to a paltry 10% success rate. According to Sports Illustrated, this marks the first time in league history that a player has shot at least seven threes in four consecutive games and hit no more than one in each. Prior to this, Edwards' worst four-game drought saw him make just five threes on 31 attempts.

Impact on the Timberwolves

Remarkably, the Timberwolves have navigated this slump successfully, winning three of the four contests. Edwards himself acknowledged his role in the lone loss, taking blame for a defeat against the Nuggets where his shooting struggles proved costly. However, against inferior teams like the Mavericks and Wizards, Minnesota's depth and other contributors stepped up to secure victories.

Coach Chris Finch has observed Edwards hesitating to take open looks, a rare sight for the typically aggressive guard. Finch suggested the solution lies in facilitating cleaner shots within the offensive flow rather than relying solely on Edwards creating his own opportunities. "He’s just got to try to get out, get some buckets the old-fashioned way," Finch stated, emphasizing the need for better-designed plays to revive their star's perimeter shooting.

Edwards' Contributions Beyond Shooting

While his three-point shot has deserted him, Edwards has found other ways to impact games. FantasyPros notes he has recorded at least two steals in each of the last four games, showcasing his defensive prowess. He has also been effective driving to the basket and drawing fouls, maintaining his overall offensive output despite the slump.

Teammate Naz Reid, who recently overcame his own shooting struggles, offered words of encouragement. "It's just part of the game," Reid shared. "Just stick with it, getting yourself involved in other ways." This sentiment underscores the belief that Edwards' shooting woes are temporary and that his multifaceted game allows the team to remain competitive even when his shot isn't falling.

What's Ahead?

The Timberwolves will face a significant test in their upcoming games, starting with the Phoenix Suns, who have won eight of their last ten. This will be followed by a showdown against the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder. These matchups will demand Edwards at his best, especially from three-point territory, to contend with elite competition.

Historically, Edwards has proven capable of snapping out of cold stretches in dramatic fashion. Given his track record and the team's reliance on his scoring, there is strong anticipation that he will regain his shooting touch soon. For now, the focus remains on supporting him through this phase and leveraging his strengths in other areas as he works to rediscover his outside shot.

"His shot will come back to him. We got to do a better job of creating some shots for him."