The Minnesota Timberwolves clinched a spot in the NBA playoff picture with a win over the Utah Jazz in their regular-season finale. Their first-round opponent? The Los Angeles Lakers. Edwards, the face of the franchise, didn’t shy away from discussing what it means to go up against a legend like LeBron James.
The Timberwolves star acknowledged LeBron’s greatness, describing him as one of the all-time greats, and noted the challenge of trying to eliminate him from the playoffs.
“It means a lot to match up against him, man,” Edwards said via Jon Krawczynski. “Probably goes down as the greatest player to ever play basketball. Trying to get putting him out of the playoffs under my belt is going to be a tough one, but it’s going to be a fun road”.
Edwards also relished the underdog role. “I just love it. It’s dope. I love the fact that everybody wants the Lakers to win,” Edwards said. “That’s how it’s supposed to be. They don’t want the Timberwolves to win. I get it”.
Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts as he guards LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 111-102 Lakers win at Crypto.com Arena. (Harry How/Getty Images)
This isn’t the first time Minnesota has been overlooked. Last season, they reached the Western Conference Finals after knocking off the Suns and Nuggets, defying expectations at every step.
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Edwards is playing the best basketball of his career
While the Lakers may be favored, underestimating Edwards would be a mistake. The Timberwolves guard is having the best season of his young career and entering the postseason at the peak of his powers.
The three-time All-Star just wrapped up a career-best campaign, averaging 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while shooting 44.7% from the field.
JJ Redick praises Edwards’ growth
Lakers head coach JJ Redick didn’t hold back in praising the Timberwolves star. “The thing that jumps out at you is just the three-point volume,” Redick said after practice on Tuesday. “His ability to make shots at a really high level off the bounce. His pick-and-roll threes, his iso threes, dribble-up transition threes, he shoots them all at a really high clip”.
Redick went on to break down Edwards’ versatility. “He’s still got his mid-range package, he’s still got the ability to get to the rim and finish, but not many guys that can shoot off the dribble at that volume from three can also make 40% of them,” Redick added. “That unlocks a lot”.
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