Anthony Edwards is that dude.
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 116-113 in Game 4 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. Edwards was a man amongst boys in the second half, not coming out once and playing the entire half. He finished the game with 43 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.
In the second half, while coming back down the court, AE repeatedly pushed LeBron James until he was eventually called for a foul. When asked after the game why he did it, his response was perfect:
“Just letting him know that we’re here… you ain’t just gonna push us around,” he stated in his post-game interview.
Edwards has consistently been the best player in this series, and at just 23 years old, he’s only scratched the surface of what he can become. James and Luka Doncic tried their best to will the Lakers to a win, but their lack of consistency when leading allowed Minnesota to hang around.
Now, the Lakers head back to Crypto.com Arena down 3-1. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith summed it up Monday morning, stating that Anthony Edwards is a shark in blood-infested waters.
It was well said and fitting for a player like Edwards, who hasn’t even reached his prime yet. His efficiency in Game 4 was especially impressive, shooting 50% from beyond the arc, 52% from the field, and 82% from the free-throw line.
Edwards is incredible, and he wants to end LeBron, Doncic, and the Lakers’ season tomorrow night. Let’s see if James and company are ready to punch back at Minnesota after two straight losses.
