In one week, the Oklahoma City Thunder lost twice after suffering only one defeat in the first three months. The latest loss came at the hands of Anthony Edwards, who decided the game with a clutch three-pointer that also sent a message to Gilbert Arenas. The former player publicly questioned Edwards’ decision to chase the win instead of settling for a tie and forcing overtime.
From a conservative standpoint, the argument makes sense. Tying the game allows a team to regroup. Missing a potential game-winner often seals a loss. But Edwards does not follow manuals. He trusts his conviction. Against OKC, with the Thunder leading 107–105, he pulled up from deep and put the Timberwolves ahead. The final score was 112–107, and the message was unmistakable.
The first overall pick of the 2020 Draft did not avoid the debate. He acknowledged the criticism and addressed Arenas directly. “I get a lot of negative criticism because I never go for the tie. I recently heard Gilbert Arenas say I’m trying to go home. I go for the win every time.”
The edge of success and the cost of failure
According to a report from The Sports Rush, the outcome could have looked very different. If the shot had missed and OKC secured the rebound, the game likely would have swung the other way. Edwards would have absorbed the fallout, and the criticism would have intensified. Arenas and others would have labeled the decision reckless. None of that would have changed Edwards’ approach. His identity is non-negotiable.
Anthony Edwards:
“I receive a lot of negative criticism because I never go for the tie. I heard Gilbert Arenas not to long ago say I’m trying to go home. I’m going for the game every time”pic.twitter.com/k3JK9BmjaL— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) December 20, 2025
This time, the risk paid off. Minnesota strengthened its hold on sixth place in the West. The team stands at 18–10, with a two-game lead over Phoenix. Beyond the standings, the internal message carries real weight. Edwards embraces responsibility in big moments. He does not try to extend games. He closes them.
In an NBA that prizes efficiency and calculation, Edwards operates on competitive instinct. His leadership takes shape through decisions that allow no hesitation. Sometimes they will work. Sometimes they will not. But the team knows exactly who takes the shot when the ball is burning. For Minnesota, that clarity is worth as much as a win.
