Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has been fined $50,000 by the NBA for an explicit verbal exchange with a Los Angeles Lakers fan during Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.
Per Shams Charania, the incident, which occurred at Crypto.com Arena and has since gone viral, saw Edwards shout, “my d*ck bigger than yours” in response to a fan’s heckling during the heated contest.
Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Patrick Smith/Getty Images
The confrontation reportedly didn’t end there. Edwards also allegedly clapped back at fans by referencing his lucrative rookie max extension deal, telling them, “I’ve got $200 million.” That contract, signed in 2023, could see him earn up to $260 million with incentives.
Despite the controversy, Edwards’ performance on the court remained unaffected. The 23-year-old guard delivered an all-around showing with 22 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, and a steal, helping the Timberwolves steal Game 1 on the road from the favored Lakers.
Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter in Game Six of the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs at Target Center on May 16, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
David Berding/Getty Images
Known for his confidence and electric personality, Edwards brushed off the tense environment during the postgame presser.
“I wasn’t out there for the half-court shot, but I mean [an] atmosphere like this, it’s easy for me,” before adding, “I’ve played in Denver, man. Denver is [a] tough place to play in on the road. So, I mean it was nothing.”
Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates against the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter during Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 06, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
This latest fine brings Edwards’ total to $285,000 in penalties this season, stemming from four separate incidents, including three throughout the NBA regular season.
Among the offenses his wallet has taken a hit for are using expletives during postgame press conferences, criticizing referees, and making inappropriate gestures towards fans.
See footage of Anthony Edwards’ exchange with Los Angeles Lakers fans below.
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