Regardless of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 133-95 blowout loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Sport 2 of the Western Convention semifinals, star guard Anthony Edwards nonetheless made franchise historical past. Edwards appeared in his forty eighth profession playoff sport — a group report.
At simply 24 years previous, he has already led Minnesota to back-to-back Western Convention Finals appearances and is chasing a 3rd straight journey. Even in a lopsided defeat, Edwards’ milestone additional cemented his rising legacy as one of the crucial impactful younger stars in franchise historical past.
If he can information the Timberwolves previous the powerhouse Spurs — and doubtlessly to an NBA Finals look — it might solely elevate his standing among the many NBA’s elite at such a younger age.
Is Edwards already the best Timberwolves participant ever?
Edwards, who’s battling a bone bruise in his left knee, was an thrilling prospect earlier than Minnesota drafted him No. 1 general within the 2020 NBA Draft. The 24-year-old is named a high-energy two-way guard, glorious at creating his personal shot and harmful from the perimeter, mid-range and whereas slashing into the paint.
Defensively, Edwards showcases a tenacious mindset whereas utilizing his energy and lateral quickness to sluggish opponents.
The previous Georgia Bulldog averages 24.6 factors, 5 rebounds and three.7 assists for his profession, however he turns it up a notch within the postseason. In 48 playoff video games, Edwards averages 25.7 factors, 6.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists.
Over the Timberwolves’ previous two playoff runs, Edwards led the unit to wins over the likes of Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets), Kevin Durant (then Phoenix Suns) and LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers).
Earlier than Edwards arrived in Minneapolis, the Timberwolves had made only one look within the Western Convention Finals (2004) and had not made the playoffs since 2018.
Edwards’ general character and perspective are infectious, alongside along with his athletic taking part in model. It’s no surprise the NBA sees Edwards as one of many faces of the league.
Nevertheless, regardless of Minnesota not having substantial playoff success earlier than Edwards, the franchise has had its share of standouts, together with Kevin Love, Karl-Anthony Cities and Kevin Garnett.
Edwards’ rise locations him alongside franchise greats
Love performed six seasons with Minnesota, averaging 19.2 factors and 12.2 rebounds. Regardless of his excessive manufacturing, Love did not elevate his group to the postseason.
Anthony-Cities spent 9 seasons with the Timberwolves, incomes six All-Star alternatives. The previous No. 1 choose averaged 22.9 factors and 10.8 rebounds with Minnesota. However when Edwards arrived, it was evident the Timberwolves noticed him — and never Anthony-Cities — because the face of the franchise.
It’s with out query that Garnett is universally considered the best participant in Timberwolves historical past. The “Massive Ticket” had arguably the most effective common season in franchise historical past in 2004.
The 1995 draft choose grew to become the primary — and solely — participant in franchise historical past to win the NBA MVP award (2004). Garnett additionally lifted the group to its first berth within the Western Convention Finals in 2004 (24.2 PPG, 13.9 RPG).
Though Garnett by no means had the advantage of a constant supporting forged like Edwards has, his influence on the franchise is plain.
Following Sport 2, Edwards complained that the Timberwolves got here out too “cool.” If he heats up, Minnesota might make a deep run —- and Edwards can cement his standing as the most effective participant in group historical past and one of many league’s prime stars.
