Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has been suspended for one game without pay by the NBA after accumulating his 16th technical foul of the season during the third quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Edwards, who had pledged last month to avoid further technical fouls, received two technicals in Thursday’s 111-102 loss and was automatically ejected. As a result, he missed Friday’s game against the Utah Jazz.
According to NBA rules, a player who accumulates 16 technical fouls in a season is suspended for one game. For every additional two technical fouls, the suspension increases by one game.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch commented that Edwards is apologetic and understands the situation. “He’s frustrated with the whole run of events, but he knows he needs to improve,” Finch said. “Hopefully, this situation will be a turning point for him to learn his lesson moving forward.”
The NBA did not specify whether Edwards would face a fine for throwing the ball into the stands after his ejection. Previously, he had already been fined $285,000 for five separate incidents, mostly related to language. This came after he was hit with a $50,000 penalty on January 13 for making an obscene gesture, following which he vowed to avoid picking up any more technical fouls.
“Ant is a great person—he’s not someone who’s angry or mean, and he doesn’t constantly argue with officials,” said Timberwolves coach Chris Finch. “His outbursts stem from frustration. Most of the time, 90% of his personality is really positive, he’s usually smiling, and he loves playing the game.”
Finch added, “My concern is the missed games and the overall number of technical fouls, but I don’t want him to be unfairly judged.”
The Timberwolves were down 74-59 when Edwards was ejected with 5:21 left in the third quarter. Despite the setback, they managed to cut the deficit to three points midway through the fourth quarter before ultimately losing.
Crew chief James Williams explained in a pool report that Edwards received his second technical for using profanity toward an official. Edwards became frustrated after he believed Lakers guard Gabe Vincent should have been called for a blocking foul while Edwards was attempting to drive.
Earlier, both Edwards and Los Angeles’ Jarred Vanderbilt received technical fouls before the second quarter began after the two players exchanged shoves at the end of the first quarter.
Edwards, who ranks fourth in the league with an average of 27.3 points per game, scored 18 points in 26 minutes of play.