Anthony Edwards stole the show in the postgame coverage following the Minnesota Timberwolves’ thrilling 98-90 Game 7 win over the defending champion Denver Nuggets. His confident banter with Charles Barkley, punctuated by the now-viral quip, “Bring ya ass,” encapsulated the swagger and charisma that Edwards brings both on and off the court. This combination of talent and personality is precisely what the Timberwolves, and the broader basketball community, have come to expect from Edwards, especially after his postseason brilliance.
A Different Kind of Heroics
Game 7 was not a showcase of statistical dominance for Edwards. He didn’t score 40 points or record six steals, nor did he shoot perfectly from beyond the arc. Instead, Edwards exhibited maturity and poise, demonstrating his understanding of “playing the right way.” This is particularly impressive for a 22-year-old on the brink of superstardom. His pivotal moment came in the fourth quarter when he nailed a game-ending three-pointer, underscoring his clutch performance despite earlier struggles.
The Pivotal Play
The Wolves were clinging to a 7-point lead after a Naz Reid put-back. A turnover by Jamal Murray, forced by a Mike Conley double team, set the stage for Edwards’ heroics. Conley’s deft pass to Reid, who then found Edwards in the corner, led to a crucial three-pointer. Despite being 1/8 from three-point range up to that moment, Edwards confidently took the shot, securing a 92-82 lead with just over three minutes remaining. This shot not only forced Denver to call a timeout but also sealed the momentum firmly in Minnesota’s favor.
Navigating Adversity
Edwards’ journey through the game was marked by persistent challenges. Denver’s defense was relentless, doubling him on pick-and-rolls and crowding the paint. This intense pressure mirrored what he faced in Game 5, but with Mike Conley back on the court, the Timberwolves’ spacing improved significantly. Edwards adapted by moving the ball quickly, creating opportunities for his teammates and setting them up for success.
First-Half Struggles
The first quarter was a defensive battle, with Edwards scoring his first points on a difficult pull-up jumper nearly four minutes into the game. Denver’s defense continued to clamp down on him, and he ended the quarter with just two points. As Denver extended their lead in the second quarter, Edwards found scoring difficult, managing only four points by halftime. However, his three assists highlighted his evolving playmaking abilities.
The Turning Point
The Timberwolves faced a daunting 15-point deficit at halftime, which quickly grew to 20 early in the third quarter. Historically, no team had ever overcome such a deficit in Game 7. However, the Timberwolves, led by Edwards’ relentless drive, began chipping away at the lead. His dynamic play opened up the floor for his teammates, sparking a remarkable comeback.
Momentum Shift
Edwards’ intensity crescendoed in the third quarter. A series of plays, including a dunk following a Karl-Anthony Towns steal and a buzzer-beating three-pointer, cut Denver’s lead to just one point. This momentum carried into the fourth quarter, where the Timberwolves finally took the lead and never looked back.
Sealing the Victory
The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth battle, but Minnesota’s strategy of utilizing Edwards to draw doubles and attack Denver’s interior paid off. Critical plays, including a timely Reid put-back and Edwards’ decisive three-pointer, ensured the Timberwolves maintained their lead. Edwards’ resilience, despite a tough shooting night, was evident as he finished with 16 points, seven assists, and crucial second-half rebounds, ultimately leading to a +11 plus-minus in an eight-point win.
A Superstar in the Making
Anthony Edwards’ performance in Game 7 against the Nuggets exemplifies the traits of a burgeoning superstar. His ability to navigate immense defensive pressure, make smart decisions, and elevate his teammates underscores his growth and potential. As the Timberwolves prepare to face the Dallas Mavericks in the Conference Finals, Edwards’ confidence and leadership will be pivotal.
His postgame assertion, “Man f*** them nine years. This year!” reflects the Timberwolves’ renewed vigor and belief. With Edwards at the helm, the Timberwolves are not just aiming for a deep playoff run—they’re eyeing a championship. And as Edwards emphatically stated, everyone will have to “bring they ass to Minneapolis.
