After scoring a playoff career-high 43 points in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 106-99 victory over the Denver Nuggets of the Western Conference Semifinals, Anthony Edwards joined Kobe Bryant as the only two players with consecutive 40-point games at age 22 or younger in NBA postseason history.
“It’s not about introducing ourselves to nobody. We know who we are,” Edwards said. “We’re coming out and as long as we got each other’s backs, it don’t really matter what anybody else thinks.”
Edwards’ 119 points over his past three playoff games are the most by a Wolves player over a three-game span in the team’s postseason history.
Additionally, Edwards outplayed reigning NBA Finals MVP Nikola Jokic, who finished with 32 points, nine assists, eight rebounds, and three steals but struggled with seven turnovers.
“Going against the best player in the world is always fun, going against the best team in the world is always fun,” Edwards said. “Our guys came out and competed tonight. So, it’s not about me personally, it’s about my team. They give me confidence also.”
Teammate Naz Reid praised Edwards, saying, “For a guy like me who’s seen him grow from day one to where he is now, I think he’s a superstar in the making if he’s not [already] now. He’s a tremendous player and a tremendous person off the court. … He’s a guy you want to be around.”
The Timberwolves aim to continue their playoff run, with the number “11” written on the whiteboard in the visitors locker room, representing the number of wins needed to capture the first championship in team history.
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