NBA Drops Anthony Edwards' 18th Technical Foul, Keeping Timberwolves' Playoff Hopes Alive

NBA Overturns Technical Foul on Anthony Edwards, Lets Timberwolves Star Avoid Suspension

The NBA threw the Minnesota Timberwolves a lifeline, announcing they've pulled back the 18th technical foul charged to Anthony Edwards. That means Edwards, the team's explosive guard, dodges a suspension just in time for a game that could dictate their entire postseason fate. Edwards caught that tech in their decisive 117-91 victory over the Brooklyn Nets—but now, it’s wiped off the slate.

Let’s rewind. Friday night, the Wolves were rolling past the Nets when things got chippy in the second quarter. Edwards, never shy about letting his feelings show, didn’t agree with a whistle on him after defending Keon Johnson. He let the refs know in colorful language, and official Ray Acosta took exception—leading to tech foul number 18. Under NBA rules, players are forced to sit out every other game for every tech beyond 16, so Edwards was staring down another one-game ban.

The Wolves have already felt that sting. Back in February, Edwards picked up a one-game suspension for hitting the 16-technical threshold, and Minnesota dropped a key game versus the Utah Jazz. That loss still stings, as it might have changed the standings coming into this final weekend.

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This reversal isn’t just saving Edwards from frustration; it’s changing the calculus for Minnesota’s postseason. The Timberwolves (48-33) head into their last game of the regular season—again versus Utah—teetering between a secure playoff spot or slipping into the chaotic play-in tournament. If the Wolves can beat Utah this time, they’re lined up for a top-six playoff seed. Lose, and they could fall as low as eighth. It’s a swing with massive implications—home-court advantage in a first-round series versus having to claw through play-in games where anything can happen.

Edwards’ presence is simply non-negotiable for Minnesota’s hopes. When he missed that game against Utah earlier in the year, the Wolves’ offense sputtered. He’s their emotional engine and primary scorer, and the team has struggled to replace his punch when he’s out. Even Edwards admitted after Friday’s game, “I hope they look at it and rescind it so I can play in a couple days.” The NBA clearly agreed after reviewing what happened, deciding the punishment was a bit too harsh—especially considering what’s on the line.

This latest decision shows just how much the league weighs context, not just rules, around technical foul reviews. There’s always a judgement call involved, and sometimes that discretion can alter the course of a team’s entire season. For the Timberwolves and their fans, it means high-stakes basketball with their biggest star on the floor. Now, as Minnesota prepares to face the Jazz, they have the shot they desperately wanted—with Anthony Edwards ready to lead the charge.