AP/Abbie Parr
The Minnesota Timberwolves stunned NBA fans by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in the first playoff round. Luka Dončić and LeBron James, known for breaking down defenses, couldn’t stop the hungry wolf pack led by Timberwolves franchise star Anthony Edwards.
Is Anthony Edwards ready to take the crown?
Edwards propelled Minnesota past the first round for consecutive seasons, a franchise first. For the first time since Kevin Garnett in 2004, he guided the Timberwolves to the Conference Finals last year.
During that run, Edwards swept the Phoenix Suns, led by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, basically snatching the official crown from Booker as one of the best two guards in the league. Not only did he sweep Durant, but he also talked trash to his favorite player, exuding the competitive banter that makes him such an appealing “Face of the League” candidate. After defeating Durant and Booker, he and the Timberwolves beat the defending champion Denver Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic.
Edwards excelled in the series, averaging 27.1 points, 5.7 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. He shot 50% from the field and 37% from three over seven games.
At age 22 or younger, he joined Kobe Bryant (‘01) and Luka Doncic (‘24) as the only players with at least 10 playoff games averaging 27+ points, 5+ assists, 5+ rebounds, and 1.5+ steals while leading their team to the Conference Finals or NBA Finals.
Edwards proves he is a true playoff performer.
Edwards won a gold medal with the 2024 USA team as its youngest member, cementing his rising NBA superstar status. Following the 2024-25 season, the Timberwolves traded Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. Losing their second-best scorer forced Edwards to step up his production. He answered the call.
This season, Edwards averaged a career-high 27.6 points and shot 39.5% from three on 10.1 attempts per game.
Despite criticism for his high three-point volume, he led the league in threes made (320), proving both efficiency and volume.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch praised Edwards’ leadership, maturity, and accountability on the court.
“He’s got a great heart, he cheers hard for his teammates’ success, he wants to win, he’s about the right things. And even when he doesn’t know or have all the answers himself or makes mistakes, he’s held accountable, he’s allowed to be coached, and so he’s built up great credit with his teammates.”
Edwards’ increased production, combined with his personality and flashy style, led analysts to ask if he wanted to be the league’s face.
Edwards averaged 26.8 points against the Lakers, becoming the first player in NBA history to lead his team in scoring in multiple playoff series wins against former multi-time MVPs at age 23 or younger. He defeated Jokic in 2024 and James this season, per OptaStats.
“Now take the next step. Come on.” James said to Edwards after the Wolves eliminated the Lakers.
Minnesota will face the winner of the Golden State Warriors–Houston Rockets series. They could play a dominant Stephen Curry-led Warriors or a young Rockets squad. If they advance, they will face either the Nuggets, whom they swept in four regular-season matchups, or the Thunder, whom they split their games with this season.
Edwards remains confident in the Timberwolves’ title hopes, aiming to reach unprecedented heights in franchise history.
“We shot 7-of-47 from three and we still beat Luka [Doncic] and LeBron,” Edwards said. “I think they the best closers in the game, so who the (expletive) we worried about?”
Edwards seems ready to take the crown.
Yep, we have one too
