May 5 (UPI) -- Anthony Edwards attempted to strike fear into foes, shouting "I'm back" at the San Antonio Spurs bench after he made his first shot of a victory in Game 1 of a Western Conference semifinals series.
But the All-NBA guard, who returned from a knee injury, said his main role was to inject calm into his Minnesota Timberwolves teammates Monday in San Antonio. Edwards admitted he isn't yet back to himself athletically, but he summoned and spread serenity throughout the 104-102 triumph.
"I'm not saying it's any pressure on any of my teammates, but it takes pressure off of everybody just knowing that I'm out there, I'm available to play," Edwards, who came off the bench, told reporters.
Edwards, who missed the final two games of a first-round series with the Denver Nuggets due to a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise, made 8 of 13 shot attempts for 18 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter. He also logged three assists, three rebounds and a block in 25:15 of action.
"Ant was awesome," Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said. "He was really good. I forgot how good he was, actually."
