DALLAS — When Jaden McDaniels went out last week because of a high ankle sprain, the Timberwolves talked about the usual things when someone gets injured — how other players will have to assume some of the injured party's responsibilities.
In McDaniels' case, that includes the important but usually little-noticed task of guarding some of the top players on opposing teams.
Last week at practice, coach Chris Finch said Anthony Edwards was going to have the opportunity, and Edwards has embraced that challenge in guarding LeBron James at times when the Wolves played the Lakers and Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday against Milwaukee.
"He just wants to win those matchups," Finch said. "He takes them personally. That's where you really see his competitiveness come out. He does a good job, plays with good hands, keeps his hands back. He can get through screens well, on the ball in particular. He's physical and he can bother those guys."
According to NBA.com, Edwards has forced James to commit three turnovers in the two games they have shared the floor this season, forced Middleton into two, Holiday into one. Holiday was shooting 2-for-7 against Edwards, James 0-for-3 and Middleton 3-for-6.
Edwards said he hasn't been watching any extra film of who he might be guarding even with the extra load of defensive assignments.
"I know I'm a great defender so I don't watch no film of the guys. I just go out there and use my instincts," Edwards said.
Over their past two games, the Wolves were a great defensive team with Edwards on the floor. His defensive rating of 95.8 points allowed per 100 possessions was best on the team. With Edwards off the court, the number increased to 126.1.
