Anthony Edwards reacts to missing opening tipoff: 'Lost track of time' / News - Basketnews.com

Anthony Edwards missed the opening tipoff against the Portland Trail Blazers, claiming he 'lost track of time.'

Credit: David Berding/Getty Images North America/Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix Credit David Berding/Getty Images North America/Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards was forced to start the game against the Portland Trail Blazers off the bench.

Player of the Game EFF 35 Rudy Gobert Points 25 Accuracy 9-10 Rebounds 16 Assists 0

The reason: the 22-year-old missed the opening tipoff and was replaced by Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the starting lineup. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves were awarded a delay of game violation.

"I lost track of time," said Edwards, who usually spends much of pregame warmups doing resistance band work outside the team locker room.

Edwards checked in at the beginning of the first quarter and finished the game with 13 points (4/11 FG, 1/3 3PT, 4/6 FT), 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 2 turnovers in 34 minutes of play.

It was the first time Edwards started a game off the bench since his rookie season.

This season, Edwards averages 26.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game in 59 appearances.

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