SUMMARY
- Anthony Edwards averaged 28 points per game vs Suns in the first round series sweep.
- Fans have been debating whether the NBA made a mistake by not voting him into the MVP conversation.
Anthony Edwards earned his respect during the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns. The Minnesota Timberwolves were considered underdogs by some due to their lack of playoff experience together. On the other hand, the Suns seemed to be the more dominant team on paper. However, Edwards fed the Big 3 through consecutive losses and has cemented his name among the greats.
Fans have been raving about Edwards being the next big thing in the NBA. One fan said, “Anthony Edwards will be league MVP next year. He is the new face of the NBA people have been waiting for.” Another X user added, “And he’s only 22.” Edwards has drawn comparisons to the consensus greatest of all time, Michael Jordan. The 22-year-old emulates various aspects of Jordan’s game, especially the explosiveness he brings to the floor.
Anthony Edwards gets praised by a Phoenix Suns legend
Unfortunately, Devin Booker and the Suns are packing their bags to return home while the Wolves prepare for the second round. Edwards was successful in being a challenge on the floor for Kevin Durant. The Wolves shooting guard has earned a lot of praise over the past couple of days, and recently, Charles Barkley’s respect as well.
After the game, Barkley said, “Between Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jayson Tatum, [and] Luka Doncic, between those young guys, man, they’re not knocking the door, they’re kicking the door down. It’s a pleasure to watch.” Barkley is widely considered as the greatest Suns’ player ever, who won his first and only MVP with the team.
Anthony Edwards looks forward to trash-talking Kevin Durant after sweeping the Suns
It is no more a secret that Anthony Edwards carries a ton of respect for Kevin Durant, one of the greatest scorers and players to ever play in the NBA. KD, a 2x NBA Champion also showed a lot of respect towards Edwards’ game as well. Edwards was elated to eliminate his idol, as he said, “I got the utmost respect for KD. Like he comes in and competes every night. I’ve watched every one of his games since I was five.”
22 years olds to score 40+ pts, 9+ reb, 6+ ast in the NBA Playoffs: (per @Stathead)
1. LeBron James – 2007
2. Luka Doncic (twice) – 2020/2021
3. Magic Johnson – 1980
4. Anthony Edwards – 2024 pic.twitter.com/O1xlvwNkKH— Matt Throne (@Matt_Throne) April 29, 2024
“So, you know, I love that guy man. And I’m excited to play with him this summer, talk a little trash, and let him know I sent him home,” he concluded. Edwards and Durant were seen bickering at each other throughout the series, and the two shared a long embrace after Game 4 concluded. KD and the Wolves superstar will be pairing up on Team USA Basketball for the 2024 Summer Olympics alongside Booker.