Anthony Edwards was just two years old the last time the Minnesota Timberwolves reached the second round of the NBA playoffs in 2004.
Now, he’s the key player who helped end that 20-year drought by leading his team to a sweep over the Phoenix Suns.
In a pivotal Game 4 at the Footprint Center, Edwards delivered a standout performance, scoring 40 points along with nine rebounds and six assists, shooting 13-of-23 from the field and 7-of-13 from beyond the arc. His heroics in Sunday’s 122-116 victory were not solitary, as Karl-Anthony Towns also shone brightly with 28 points and 10 rebounds.
While the Suns’ Devin Booker put up a valiant fight with 49 points, and Kevin Durant added 33 points, the lack of support from their teammates was palpable. Phoenix struggled as Bradley Beal, another key player, only managed nine points on 4-of-13 shooting before fouling out.
Social media erupted in praise for Edwards, especially after his electrifying dunk over Durant, drawing comparisons to a legendary Michael Jordan dunk against the Suns.
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The similarity in their athletic prowess even had fans jesting about a DNA test between Edwards and Jordan.
Despite having a star-studded lineup of Durant, Booker, and Beal, the Suns’ postseason ended earlier than expecs they struggled to even force a fifth game in the series. Booker and Durant did their best, combining fluid jumpers, aggressive drives, and contested threes to keep their team competitive.
By halftime, despite Phoenix’s efforts, Minnesota had its own formidable duo in Edwards and Towns, with Jaden McDaniels adding 18 crucial points. Ultimately, it was Edwards who dominated in crunch time, proving to be the best player on the court and securing the Timberwolves’ advancement.
