The Minnesota Timberwolves found themselves facing elimination on Sunday night against the Denver Nuggets after dropping the first three games of the series. Denver nearly came away with the win, but an impressive performance from Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards helps keep their season alive.
Edwards has been the Timberwolves’ best player the entire series, and Sunday’s game was no exception. He finished the game with 34 points and impressed in a big way when it mattered most.
Denver was able to force overtime thanks to an unbelievable 12-0 run late in the fourth quarter.
The Nuggets miraculously force overtime with a 12-0 run to end the fourth quarter. pic.twitter.com/h8VD91qBwv
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) April 24, 2023
Overtime was when Edwards helped seal the deal for the Timberwolves. He would hit a clutch three with just 11 seconds remaining in overtime while the Timberwolves were clinging to a one-point lead to help come away with a 114-108 victory.
Minnesota hangs on in overtime thanks to this dagger 3 from Anthony Edwards. pic.twitter.com/faXfMPDzUB
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) April 24, 2023
Edwards has clearly been impressive in his third NBA season. However, many see his postseason play as a telling sign that he could be a superstar in the future.
https://twitter.com/IQfor3/status/1650355141092995074
ANTHONY EDWARDS IS HIM!! pic.twitter.com/a1m0mOX01S
— Joel Moran (@joelvmoran) April 24, 2023
Timberwolves fans watching Anthony Edwards: pic.twitter.com/IhIYDToRka
— Kyle Theige (@KyleTheige) April 24, 2023
ANTHONY EDWARDS ISN’T HUMAN 😳pic.twitter.com/ZJTDz4SMka
— Timberwolves Talk (@LetsTalk_Wolves) April 24, 2023
Edwards’ performance thus far this postseason has put him in some rare company at his age. This was his fifth career 30-point game in the postseason in his career, which is second to only LeBron James for any player before the age of 22.
Anthony Edwards has recorded his 5th career 30-point playoff game, the 2nd-most such games before the age of 22 in NBA history 👏
He trails only LeBron James.
LeBron James – 8
Anthony Edwards – 5
Kobe Bryant – 4 pic.twitter.com/B5esHqxMv4— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2023
While most would be thrilled to be part of that list, Anthony Edwards seems to be more focused on postseason success as a team. He was informed about the stat after the game, where he said he “still has work to do” because of the lack of team success.
“It’s just stats,” said Edwards. “Those guys have won championships so you can’t mention me with those guys. I haven’t made it out the first round. It’s great to be mentioned with those guys, but I still got work to do.”
"I haven't made it out the first round, it's great to be mentioned with those guys but I still got work to do"
Anthony Edwards on having the second most 30-pt playoff games before turning 22 pic.twitter.com/CcLElc9QUw
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 24, 2023
Edwards and the Timberwolves will look to continue to claw their way back into this series in a crucial Game 5 against the Nuggets on Tuesday night.
