Holding a precarious two-point lead in the final seconds of Thursday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers, the Minnesota Timberwolves needed a big defensive play. They got one from Anthony Edwards.
The play actually got started with Edwards missing a free throw. Indiana’s Myles Turner pulled in the rebound and quickly passed it off to Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton passed the ball up the court to Aaron Nesmith, who dribbled in for a potential game-tying layup. Edwards had other plans, though.
Edwards got up the court for defense and when he realized that Nesmith was driving to the hoop, sprinted in to meet him here. Edwards got serious elevation and rejected the shot. Mike Conley grabbed the loose ball and passed it up the court, securing the win.
Anthony Edwards skies for the game-winning block against the Pacers. Michael Grady with the call on Bally Sports North.
"Up ahead Nesmith, BLOCKED! Edwards getting up! And good night!" pic.twitter.com/CSPG7wDbXK
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 8, 2024
In a postgame interview, Edwards confirmed what the video appeared to show. He hit his head on the rim while blocking the shot.
“I hit my head, I think on the rim. It’s hurting real bad. And I landed my wrist. I saw him with the lane. I knew he was going for the layup. And I was just like, ‘Man, I’m finna to go get this.’ I ain’t ever jumped that high in my life.”
"I hit my head, I think on the rim. It's hurting real bad. And I landed my wrist… I ain't ever jumped that high in my life." – Anthony Edwards pic.twitter.com/aahb9yApGf https://t.co/l6xhBXONcx
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 8, 2024
The play had NBA fans buzzing.
This is one of the most freakishly athletic plays I’ve ever seen. Good lord, Ant! https://t.co/vImWzzf8l9
— Dan King (@Kinger_DC) March 8, 2024
Jesus! Now there’s a way to make up for a missed free throw! https://t.co/STBs87pYC4
— 💀Bob Lynch💀🇵🇸 (@Bob4Florida) March 8, 2024
My goodness gracious https://t.co/mMFuCY3HJf
— Lance Griffin (@EagleLance) March 8, 2024
[Photo Credit: Bally Sports North]
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