Anthony Edwards injured in Game 2 as “Steph and Ant” trends [VIDEO]
Rising Stakes as Star Players Fall in Warriors vs. Timberwolves Series
The Western Conference semifinals took an unexpected and unfortunate turn this evening, when Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves suffered a suspected ankle injury during Game 2 against the Golden State Warriors. The injury, which occurred during a highly physical contest at Target Center in Minneapolis, sent shockwaves through the NBA community and ignited a trending topic across social media: “Steph and Ant.”
With Stephen Curry already sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained in Game 1, the potential loss of both teams’ marquee players dramatically alters the competitive landscape—and fan expectations.
What Happened: Edwards Goes Down in the Second Quarter
Midway through the second quarter, Edwards was seen grimacing and clutching his left ankle after landing awkwardly on a drive. He sat on the hardwood in visible pain. After that, he briefly attempted to get up. Finally, he hobbled off the court before being helped to the locker room. For the fans, they feel somewhat robbed. After all, they wanted this matchup to see Steph and Ant-Man face off.
Though no official diagnosis was immediately confirmed, fans and analysts alike speculated that it was a moderate ankle sprain. Given his recent history with ankle issues—most notably a sprain just a month earlier—concern about a recurring problem mounted quickly.
Edwards did not return to the game. So, his status moving forward remains unclear.
“Steph and Ant” Trends on X Amid Injury Fallout
The phrase “Steph and Ant” quickly began trending on X (formerly Twitter) following the injury, referencing both Anthony Edwards and Stephen Curry. Just two days earlier, Curry exited Game 1 with a hamstring strain, and was ruled out for at least one week by NBA.com.
With both stars now out, fans took to social media to express frustration and heartbreak:
- @Headbandlukaa: “with Steph and Ant out that warriors/wolves series has no aura at all”
- @TheHateCentral: “Steph and Ant injured 😭 JUST PAUSE THE SERIES @NBA”
- @ph1ldunphy30: “just an awful sight for both teams man, steph and ant both gone”
Another tweet by @GoIdenState racked up over 25,000 views, further cementing the incident’s virality. Many fans echoed a similar sentiment: “This series went from epic to empty real quick.”
Injury Comparison: Curry and Edwards
To understand the full scope of the series-altering injuries, here’s a snapshot of each player’s contribution and status:
| Player | Team | Position | PPG | RPG | APG | Injury Date | Injury Type | Expected Absence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen Curry | Golden State Warriors | PG | 24.5 | 6.1 | 5.0 | May 6, 2025 | Hamstring Strain | At least 1 week |
| Anthony Edwards | Minnesota Timberwolves | SG | 27.6 | 10.9 | 7.2 | May 8, 2025 | Ankle (suspected sprain) | Unknown, likely days |
This comparative chart, based on ESPN and team reports, underscores how vital both players are—not just to their teams, but to the entertainment value of the entire postseason.
History Repeats: Edwards’ Ankle Woes Continue
Anthony Edwards’ ankle injury in Game 2 wasn’t his first encounter with this issue. On April 7, 2025, Bleacher Report noted that Edwards had sprained the same ankle after stepping on a coach’s foot during a timeout. He was listed as questionable leading up to the Warriors series, according to HoopsHype.
Given that background, this most recent injury may be a flare-up of an existing problem, raising red flags for Timberwolves staff and fans. The team has yet to release a definitive update, but a multi-game absence could be devastating.
Warriors Take Game 1, But Series Now in Limbo
Despite Curry’s early exit in Game 1 on May 6, the Golden State Warriors managed to pull off a 99-88 victory, thanks to strong performances by Jimmy Butler and Buddy Hield. The Athletic praised Golden State’s depth, suggesting the team could survive a short stint without its superstar.
However, Edwards’ injury adds a layer of uncertainty. With both of the series’ most marketable names potentially sidelined, Game 3 in San Francisco might feel more like a grind-it-out battle than a star-powered showcase.
When Edwards went down, the Timberwolves were dominating the Warriors. Even without him, Minnesota continued to dominate. But after Game 2 is over, the full scope of Anthony Edwards’ injury will be known. He did make his return to the game, tonight.
Series Stakes and the Role of Edwards
Anthony Edwards has been the heart and soul of the Timberwolves this season. He entered the playoffs averaging 27.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game, making him the team’s most dynamic and dependable option. His leadership and explosiveness had positioned Minnesota as a legitimate contender.
With Curry already absent due to his own injury from Game 1 on May 6, Edwards’ sudden exit throws the entire balance of the series into question.
Before the injury, the Timberwolves held a comfortable lead, buoyed by strong team defense and fast-paced offensive execution. Edwards was instrumental in both areas until his departure.
The Broader Fan Reaction: “Pause the Series”
Beyond the court, the social media commentary took on a tone of collective exhaustion. With NBA playoff viewership already under a microscope, losing both Curry and Edwards could significantly affect ratings and audience engagement.
One of the more viral posts came from @basketbllnews, who wrote:
“There’s a chance both Steph and Ant miss most of this 2nd round series.”
Fans weren’t just sad—they were actively petitioning for the league to reconsider the format. While there’s no precedent for pausing a playoff series due to injuries, the outrage highlights just how much the NBA relies on its superstars.
Why This Matters for the NBA
The 2025 playoffs were shaping up to be a generational showdown—a mix of veteran legends like Curry and rising superstars like Edwards. The Warriors vs. Timberwolves series was billed as a clash between two different eras, styles, and fanbases.
Now, that narrative is in jeopardy.
For the NBA, it’s a worst-case scenario: one team’s cornerstone out with a soft-tissue issue, and the other’s franchise face hobbled mid-series. The stakes were high, the tension was real, and now the outcome may come down to which bench can survive the storm.
What’s Next?
At the time of writing, no official update has been issued by the Timberwolves medical staff regarding Anthony Edwards’ condition. Game 3 is scheduled for May 10, 2025, and fans on both sides will be watching closely to see if either star can return.
Until then, “Steph and Ant” will continue to trend—not just as a hashtag, but as a painful reminder of how quickly things can change in the NBA postseason.