Anthony Edwards continues to show this season why he is one of the future faces of the NBA. After his impressive 44-point game against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night, accompanied by an electric backup block, he drew praise from fans and media. Interestingly, writer Hanif Abdurraqib reported that the Minnesota Timberwolves safety hasn’t seen many stars like Edwards.
When the lights shine brightest, not every NBA star can handle that much attention and pressure on the basketball court. However, since his first year in the championship, Anthony Edwards has already shown how much he wants it and the responsibility that goes with it.
“I’ve seen a lot of NBA guys up close, and not everyone has it, you know? He just gets it. … He’s not afraid of anyone in front of him. You win championships with that kind of guy. You put banners up there with that kind of guy.”
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After an impressive performance at the 2023 FIBA World Cup with Team USA, Anthony Edwards’ confidence has skyrocketed this year, which has benefited his team’s chances of winning. Not only has he shown his growth offensively, but he has also improved tremendously into becoming a reliable defender and playmaker.
As Edwards continues to improve each season for the Minnesota Timberwolves, this season is a great example of him slowly maturing into a well-rounded NBA superstar, devoid of many missing elements to his game.
Anthony Edwards opened up about his save block against Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith
After the 113-111 victory Thursday evening against the Indiana PacersAnthony Edwards was all smiles while talking about his game-saving block on Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith’s layup attempt.
“I think I hit my head on the rim,” Edwards said. “It hurt like hell and I landed on my wrist, I mean, you know. I saw him in the lane, I knew he was going to make the layup and I was like, ‘No, I I’m going to figure this out.’ ‘I’ve never had this highlight in my life.’
Before the block, Edwards made just 1 of 2 from the free throw line, giving the Minnesota Timberwolves a two-point lead. With a chance to send the game into overtime, Aaron Nesmith had the chance to do so with a layup and Rudy Gobert only lurking from behind.
However, to make up for his missed free throw, Anthony Edwards timed his jumper perfectly to block Nesmith’s shot, just in time before it hit the boards. It was the perfect way to cap off one of Edwards’ most impressive outings this season, especially since he had already twisted his ankle during the first quarter.
With the absence of Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns, it was necessary for Edwards to step up to the challenge, put his team on his back and lead them to victory.
