Anthony Edwards really, truly tried to play along.

All of the Timberwolves were building up the importance and intrigue of the NBA Cup — the League’s in-season tournament — after Minnesota blew out Utah on Friday in its group play opener.

Minnesota coach Chris Finch senses a growing interest in the tournament for players across the league, noting guys talk openly about it.

“I think it’s a perfect shot in the arm at this point in the early start of the season,” Finch said. “I think it’s been a great product since it’s been put in. I think players understand it. Especially our guys. They talked about it last week, and we weren’t even playing.”

Jaden McDaniels cited the money as incentive. Each player on the winning team nets $530,933 this season, while players on the second-place team re

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