Is Anthony Edwards the New Face of the NBA?

As time ran out in Game 4 of the first-round matchup between the Phoenix Suns and the Minnesota Timberwolves, it seemed as if we were watching the end of an era. 

22-year-old shooting guard Anthony Edwards dropped 40 points and captivated the basketball world with his performance. He showed flashes that he was ready to be the face of the league this season. Having the opportunity to face off against who he calls his GOAT, Kevin Durant, in the first round, the script could not have been written any better.

Anthony Edwards is the real deal, and if you did not know, his crossover on Bradley Beal and dunk on Durant showed everyone how league this was becoming. Look at this angle of Ant-man; he keeps elevating when you think he will stop.

this angle of anthony edwards dunk is wild
pic.twitter.com/cRj7CL8juo

— michael doleac (@3MWD__) April 29, 2024

Durant was classy as the Timberwolves swept this Phoenix Suns team. It’s amazing to observe someone who grew up idolizing you transition into a transcendent altitude of play in real-time.

Anthony Edwards & Kevin Durant

Nothing but respect

pic.twitter.com/xyERDZVPX7

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 29, 2024

He said it after the game that Edwards was his favorite player to watch, he just so impressed with where his game is right now at 22.

"So impressed with Ant. My favorite player to watch… just his love for the game shines bright… love everything about Ant."

KD with HIGH PRAISE for Anthony Edwards 🔥🙌 pic.twitter.com/BIATNj2dt9

— NBA (@NBA) April 29, 2024

This was the team’s first playoff series win in 20 years, and teammate Karl Antony Towns called AE the new face of the league.

“I couldn’t be happier,” Towns said before looking at Edwards. “Playing with my man on my right just makes it more special. To be able to do it with someone I have so much admiration for, so much respect for. The future’s so bright for him, I’ve got to put my sunglasses on.”

The Atlanta native has arguably the shoe of the year as well, averaging 28.5 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and two steals a game in them this series. Sending the shorthanded Phoenix Suns home with questions that they have to figure out in the off-season. Until then, we will potentially see Anthony Edwards and this Wolves team take on Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.

This year, the NBA has been full of parody, and new blood has shaken up the ranks of the best teams. Anthony Ewards is in good hands as he continues to transcend this team to heights they have not seen in decades.