Anthony Edwards Praises Thunder’s ‘Puppet Show’ Mastery After Playoff Exit: ‘They Were a Level Above Us’
After being eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves stars Anthony Edwards and Mike Conley didn’t hold back in their postgame reflections—offering a unique and candid compliment to their opponents. Edwards, known for his competitive fire, acknowledged how tough it was to match up against a team so unified. Conley expanded on that sentiment, saying, “Their movement, their body language, their connectivity… their IQ, the adjustments—they were just a level above us.”
It’s a rare kind of praise, especially in the heat of elimination, but it speaks volumes about what the Thunder have built. Oklahoma City has emerged as one of the most synchronized teams in recent memory. Every cut, pass, and rotation feels deliberate—executed with a collective awareness that transcends individual talent. Their chemistry and cohesion make them more formidable than the sum of their parts.
Add to that the raucous home-court environment—fans in matching shirts, locked in from the opening tip—and it becomes clear why they’re so tough to beat. The Thunder aren’t just playing basketball; they’re orchestrating a performance. And for opposing teams, trying to disrupt that harmony can feel like going up against a well-rehearsed puppet show—one that rarely misses a cue.
