The NBA isn't shy about handing down fines to its players for a wide variety of actions both on and off the court. On Dec. 9, the league slapped Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Anthony Edwards with a $25,000 for something that didn't even happen during a game this weekend.
The Timberwolves emerged victorious over the Golden State Warriors on Dec. 6, and after the game, Edwards spoke to reporters about his team's defense and praised his teammates for their hard work. In doing so, Edwards used some not-so-family-friendly language that set off the NBA.
"Everyone is guarding at a high level, but Jaden [McDaniels] and Rudy [Gobert] are being the anchors that we need them to be. I think that's the main thing," he said. "Naz [Reid] and Julius [Randle] are f--kin' playing defense. I've never seen them play defense before. So that's f--king incredible." He made the quip in front of Randle who agreed with his analysis. "He be guarding his a-- off," Edwards said.
Anthony Edwards on the Wolves defense:
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) December 7, 2024
"Everyone is guarding at a high level, but Jaden and Rudy is being the anchors that we need them to be. Naz and Julius is fuckin' playing defense. I've never seen them play defense before. So that's fucking incredible. And he's right here,… pic.twitter.com/p4m6hBxslO
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/Q9mtte9Jy9
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 9, 2024
It's the latest incident of the league bringing the hammer down on players for comments made during post-game interviews. Last month, Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball was hit with a $100,000 fine for using homophobic language when discussing his team's performance in a game.
Edwards, meanwhile, continues to add to his growing list of fines this year. This punishment marks his seventh fine of the season; so far he's earned five $2,000 fines for technical fouls and a $35,000 fine for an inappropriate gesture.
Related: Hot Mic Catches Anthony Edwards Trash Talking Draymond Green
The Minnesota Timberwolves will face off against the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 13.
