Kevin Garnett Addresses Anthony Edwards After Failed NBA Awards Challenge
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards missed out on being eligible to the NBA awards after being limited to 61 games. One of the games that he played in on the 2025-26 season was under 20 minutes, which leads to him having only 60 eligible games. This means he won't be named to any of the All-NBA teams despite having the best year of his career.
Edwards averaged 28.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists on 39.9% shooting from deep. Injuries affected his availability, especially in the final stretch of the regular season. He missed time due to a knee inflammation.
The NBA Denied Anthony Edwards' Challenge
Edwards and the Wolves remained hopeful about the NBA star's bid to be considered for the awards. ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Thursday that the four-time All-Star filed for an Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge for the 65-game rule. However, it was denied by the league.
Former Wolves star Kevin Garnett addressed the situation and challenged the NBA star to go after the Finals MVP.
"Eff it! Go get Finals MVP then @anthonyedwards " KG posted.
Eff it! Go get Finals MVP then @anthonyedwardshttps://t.co/rZcvFCt9zu
— Kevin Garnett (@KevinGarnett5KG) April 17, 2026
After Edwards and the Wolves were denied their request, the star's long-time trainer, business manager, and business partner, Justin Holland, released a statement.
"Anthony and I appreciate the PA appealing his case. For me personally, I'm a bit confused at the clemency for Cade who missed time for something that happened on the court, and not Ant, who missed time for an infection, but ultimately you already know Ant isn't trippin over it AT ALL," Holland said.
Holland said that Edwards is disappointed that he missed out on the 65-game requirement for the awards. He also said that the Wolves star is not satisfied that he did not get to play all 82 games. Lastly, he said the two-time All-NBA star is focused on leading Minnesota in the postseason to contend for the championship.
NBA stars Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers) and Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons) had a different result in their challenge. Both stars are allowed to "bypass the 65-game threshold for eligibility requirements."
Following the report, head coach Chris Finch questioned the consistency behind it.
"It sure would be nice to hear an explanation as to why Anthony was denied his 65 games, particularly when you look at the history of Anthony, who plays all the time and has played all the time," Finch said. "I'm not sure why we have a rule if we have an appeals process that is overturned in two-thirds of the cases that were held before it. It feels more like a suggestion than a rule."
Anthony Edwards' appeal of the NBA's 65-game rule was denied. Chris Finch would to know why, especially given that Edwards is a player "who plays all the time." pic.twitter.com/VIGyacPfDS
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) April 16, 2026
The fact that Edwards was the only player to submit a challenge and have it rejected was unjust, according to Finch.
Related: Timberwolves Announce Anthony Edwards News Before Hornets Game
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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 8:54 PM.