Why is Anthony Edwards fined? Minnesota Timberwolves star hit with hefty penalty after shocking halftime incident

The NBA has fined star guard Anthony Edwards as the Minnesota Timberwolves get ready to play the Los Angeles Clippers on February 26. NBA executive vice president James Jones announced on Thursday that Edwards had been fined $25,000 for tossing the ball "with force" into the stands.

This season, Edwards received his fourth career all-star selection. He shot 11 of 27 from the floor and completed the game with 34 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Edwards played for 38 minutes before checking out at the end of the game. The star guard made 5 of his 13 attempts from beyond the arc and shot 11–27 from the field. Along with four rebounds, four assists, and two steals, he scored 34 points.

Anthony Edwards fined $25K after halftime ball toss incident during Timberwolves win over Blazers

The event happened during Minnesota's Tuesday halftime victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. After the second quarter ended, Edwards grabbed the ball and flung it the whole length of the court, striking a fan near the stanchion. The official notice read:

“Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards has been fined $25,000 for throwing the game ball with force into the spectator stands, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations…”





It continued:

“The incident occurred at halftime of the Timberwolves’ 124-121 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on Feb. 24…”

According to reports, a spectator seated close to a stanchion at the opposite end of the court was struck by Edwards' toss. At the end of the half against the Blazers, he was spotted launching the ball. The Timberwolves were ahead by a slim margin at the moment, 62-59. What influenced Edwards' choice is unknown.

Edwards is one of the higher-paid players at his position, despite the fact that a $25,000 fine is substantial. During the 2024–2025 NBA season, the All-Star guard signed a significant rookie extension. He has averaged 29.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 49.3% from the field and 40.0% from beyond the arc.

Anthony Edwards’ fine adds to growing list of NBA penalties despite dominant All-Star season

On February 22, the Timberwolves lost to the Philadelphia 76ers, who were shorthanded, although they recovered. Minnesota was on a three-game winning streak going into that contest.

In March 2025, Edwards was fined $35,000 by the NBA for tossing a game ball into the stands and failing to leave the court promptly after being ejected. Edwards secured a $42.1 million paycheck last year. Edwards is earning $45.5 million this year. In 2028–2029, that figure will reach $55.6 million. Edwards' current contract with the Timberwolves will pay him a total of $244.6 million.

The four-time All-Star faced discipline from the league throughout his 2024-25 campaign, racking up $430,000 in total fines for the season Since Edwards has been receiving technical fouls lately, a significant amount of the total comes from them. During the triumph, Edwards played 38:20 and scored 34 points. In 49 games so far this season, the 24-year-old is averaging 29.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals for the 36-23 Timberwolves.


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