Timberwolves Fall to Bulls: Anthony Edwards Faces Pressure to Perform

The Minnesota Timberwolves suffered their fourth consecutive defeat on March 22, 2026, losing 120-115 to the Chicago Bulls at home. Despite a promising start, the Timberwolves could not maintain their lead, primarily due to a lackluster performance from their star player, Anthony Edwards. Edwards, who has been pivotal in clutch moments this season, struggled significantly, contributing to the team’s ongoing woes.

Throughout the season, Edwards has showcased extraordinary shooting skills in high-pressure situations. However, his recent performance has raised concerns. Over the last two games, including this latest loss, he has shot just 2 for 10 during critical moments. This decline was evident against the Bulls, where his overall shooting percentage stood at a disappointing 36% after hitting only 9 of 25 attempts from the field.

Minnesota entered the final minutes of the game with a four-point lead, but a series of missed opportunities and defensive lapses allowed Chicago to regain momentum. With just over a minute left, Edwards failed to contest a three-point shot from Bulls’ guard Coby White, which narrowed the deficit to one point. Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch noted, “He just stopped short. He’s got to get all the way out there with a better contest.”

Following White’s crucial basket, Edwards dropped a pass from teammate Julius Randle, leading to a turnover that set up the Bulls for the go-ahead score by Tre Jones. Edwards reflected on his performance, saying, “If I play halfway like myself against Chicago, we win the game. So I don’t really blame nobody but myself.”

The Timberwolves’ defensive struggles have been a recurring theme this season. After a strong start, the team fell back into poor defensive habits that have already cost them crucial games against teams like the Utah Jazz. Coach Finch expressed concern over the team’s lack of a defensive identity, stating, “We have no defensive personality right now.”

With the season progressing, the Timberwolves must find a way to regain their form. Randle emphasized the need for consistent energy and focus, remarking, “It’s a long season. There’s going to be ups and downs. We just gotta find a way to find that consistency.”

As the Timberwolves look to turn their season around, the onus will be on Edwards to lead by example. His ability to perform under pressure will be vital for Minnesota as they face the challenges ahead. The team will seek to address its issues in both offense and defense, aiming for a more cohesive performance in their upcoming games.