Anthony Edwards led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a thrilling 106-99 victory over the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of the second-round series. Edwards scored a career playoff-high 43 points, outplaying reigning NBA Finals MVP Nikola Jokic.
Edwards’ performance was a statement of intent, showcasing his exceptional skill and maturity. When asked about the win, he said, “It’s not about introducing ourselves to nobody. We know who we are… We’re coming out and as long as we got each other’s backs, it don’t really matter what anybody else thinks.”
The Timberwolves’ 5-0 playoff record is a testament to their team effort, with Edwards joining Kobe Bryant as the only players in NBA postseason history with consecutive 40-point performances at age 22 or younger.
Jokic praised Edwards, saying, “He’s a special player, I have huge respect for him, he can do everything on the floor… You need to give him respect, how good and how talented he is.”
Despite his individual success, Edwards credited his teammates for the win. “Going against the best player in the world is always fun, going against the best team in the world is always fun… Our guys came out and competed tonight. So, it’s not about me personally, it’s about my team. They give me confidence also.”
The Timberwolves’ bench played a crucial role in the win, with Naz Reid scoring 14 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter. Mike Conley added 14 points and 10 assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns had 20 points despite foul trouble.
As the series moves forward, the Timberwolves are confident in their abilities. “He’s been growing every day, he’s been getting more mature every single night,” said Rudy Gobert. “So it’s fun to be a part of.”
The team’s goal is clear: win 11 more wins to capture their first championship in franchise history. With Edwards leading the charge, the Timberwolves are a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference.
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