The Minnesota Timberwolves, led by their rising star Anthony Edwards, made a statement in the NBA playoffs by sweeping the Phoenix Suns. Anthony Edwards, who was just two years old the last time the Timberwolves reached the second round of the playoffs in 2004, now stands as the face of the franchise that ended a 20-season drought.
ClutchPoints captured Edwards’ comments on Twitter: “It felt great… I watch every last one of his games since I [was] about 5… I’m excited to play with him this summer, talk a little trash, and let him know I sent him home.”
“It felt great… I watch every last one of his games since I [was] about 5… I'm excited to play with him this summer, talk a little trash, and let him know I sent him home."
Anthony Edwards on sweeping Kevin Durant 🗣️
(via @NBAonTNT)pic.twitter.com/nHHCSg9tkO
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 29, 2024
Edwards’ words encapsulate the competitive spirit and playful trash talk that are hallmarks of the NBA. Let’s delve deeper into his comments and the broader implications of the Timberwolves’ victory.
The Anthony Edwards Show
In Sunday’s Game 4 at Footprint Center, Anthony Edwards put on a dazzling display. The shooting guard dropped 40 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and dished out six assists. His scoring efficiency was remarkable, shooting 13-of-23 from the field and 7-of-13 from beyond the arc. Edwards wasn’t alone in shining; Karl-Anthony Towns added 28 points and 10 rebounds, while Devin Booker (49 points) and Kevin Durant (33 points) fought valiantly for the Suns.
Trash Talk and Dominance
But it wasn’t just Edwards’ on-court performance that caught everyone’s attention. During the series, he engaged in some friendly trash talk with none other than Kevin Durant. In Game 1, Edwards hit a stepback three-pointer over Durant, leaving both players grinning. The young Timberwolves star had Durant’s number, scoring 10 points in a crucial third quarter that propelled Minnesota to a 20-point lead. His confidence and fearlessness were on full display.
On the other side, the Suns’ trio of Durant, Booker, and Bradley Beal fell short of their championship aspirations. Despite Durant’s 33 points and Booker’s heroic efforts, the Suns couldn’t avoid the sweep. Beal managed just nine points, and the supporting cast struggled to keep up. The Timberwolves’ defense stifled Phoenix, and Edwards led the charge on offense, leaving the Suns reeling.
Anthony Edwards has long idolized Kevin Durant. He’s watched Durant’s game since childhood and has strived to emulate his scoring ability. Sweeping Durant and the Suns in the playoffs is a significant accomplishment for Edwards, one that undoubtedly holds personal significance.
