Anthony Edwards really, truly tried to play along.
All of the Timberwolves were building up the importance and intrigue of the NBA Cup — the league’s in-season tournament — after Minnesota blew out Utah on Friday in its group play opener.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, rear, goes to the basket against Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) in the first quarter of an NBA Cup basketball game Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Minnesota coach Chris Finch senses a growing interest in the tournament for players across the league, noting guys talk openly about it.
“I think it’s a perfect shot in the arm at this point in the early start of the season,” Finch said. “I think it’s been a great product since it’s been put in. I think players understand it, especially our guys. They talked about it last week, and we weren’t even playing.”
Jaden McDaniels cited the money as incentive. Each player on the winning team nets $530,933 this season, while players on the second-place team receive $212,373. Semifinalists get $106,187 and quarterfinalists earn $53,093.
“When I see the (colorful) court, I’m like, ‘It’s just time to win the money,’ ” McDaniels said.
Julius Randle’s intentions sounded a bit more pure. He noted his goal is for Minnesota to win it because it’s a competition and the Wolves have the talent to do it. Edwards reiterated that message in his first comment about the event on Friday.
Then he was asked if players better understand the tournament in Year 3 of the event. Edwards noted players “didn’t really understand the rules” in 2023.
The truth quickly came pouring out, as it always does with Minnesota’s star guard.
“I still don’t understand the rules,” the affable Edwards admitted. “I really don’t care.”
But he knows the games still count toward Minnesota’s overall record, so there’s that. It’s not as if Edwards, who scored 29 points in the first half Friday, didn’t put his all into the Cup opener, even if the tournament added zero motivation.
“I think just winning the games mean more than anything,” he said.
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