SAN ANTONIO — Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards received medical clearance to take the court Monday evening for Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against San Antonio, making his comeback just 10 days following a hyperextended left knee injury.
The All-Star guard was initially projected to sit out at least the opening two contests in San Antonio, but the 6-foot-4 player accelerated his recovery process to participate in the series opener.
“He’s in,” Minnesota coach Chris Finch said.
Finch indicated that Edwards will face playing time limitations.
Edwards received approval to rejoin team workouts on Saturday and his status was elevated to questionable on Sunday’s injury listing. He participated fully in Monday morning’s shootaround session and earned final approval following pre-game warmups.
The injury occurred on April 25 during Game 4 of Minnesota’s first-round matchup with Denver, when Edwards sustained both a bone bruise and hyperextension to his left knee.
Minnesota also suffered the loss of Donte DiVicenzo in that same Game 4 contest due to a torn right Achilles tendon, yet managed to capture the following two games against Denver to secure their advancement.
Edwards was absent from Game 6 while undergoing injury treatment.
During the regular season, Edwards posted averages of 28.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists across 61 contests. In three matchups against San Antonio this season, he averaged 36.7 points, 4.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds.
Minnesota held a 2-1 regular season record against the Spurs.
San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama, who received Defensive Player of the Year honors on April 20, was sidelined for the first regular season meeting with Minnesota due to a left calf strain. Wembanyama posted averages of 34 points and 8.0 rebounds in two contests against the Timberwolves, including a 39-point performance in a 126-123 victory on January 17 during the teams’ final regular season encounter.
