Anthony Edwards criticizes soft referee approach to SGA and OKC / News - Basketnews.com

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards criticized the lenient approach shown to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander by the referees.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Anthony Edwards, the young American star of the Minnesota Timberwolves, criticized what he perceived to be preferential treatment shown to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Oklahoma City Thunder / Schedule

Los Angeles Lakers Oklahoma City Thunder112-105 Los Angeles Clippers Oklahoma City Thunder128-117 Utah Jazz Oklahoma City Thunder129-134 Minnesota Timberwolves Oklahoma City Thunder97-102 Oklahoma City Thunder Portland Trail BlazersWed01:00 San Antonio Spurs Oklahoma City ThunderThu01:30 New Orleans Pelicans Oklahoma City ThunderSat01:00

The criticism came after the Timberwolves' 97-102 home loss to the Thunder.

"It's hard to with the calls that Shai gets," Edwards said, as reported by Chris Hine. "It's hard to shut them down. You can't touch him any time of the game. It’s super hard to beat," he aired his grievances.

In the game, SGA shot 13 free throws, making 12 of them.

"That team is a good team, especially when they’re getting calls like that," Edwards finished with a slight hint of irony mixed in with praise.

After the game, the Timberwolves regressed to a 30-12 record, while the Thunder improved their win-loss ratio by rising to 29-13.

For his part, Edwards is averaging 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. On the other side of the aisle, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game on 54.9% field goal shooting in what is a break-out season for him.

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