Anthony Edwards isn't ready for the crown just yet

Comparing Anthony Edwards to Michael Jordan might have been a little premature. Wednesday's Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals was the latest example of why.

Edwards scored 19 points on 6-for-16 shooting, as his Timberwolves lost at home as 4.5-point favorites. But he scored only six points on 2-for-9 shooting in the second half, when his team needed him the most. Only two of those nine shot attempts were inside the arc (he missed both), as Edwards was unable to get to the rim, like he's grown accustomed to. 

Edwards has reached 20 points in just one of his last four playoff games while shooting 34 percent from the floor during that stretch. Half of those shot attempts have come from beyond the arc.

It's easy to forget, but Edwards is still only 22 years old. When Jordan turned 22, he was only 51 games into his NBA career on a 25-26 Chicago Bulls team.

It takes NBA players a handful of years to become the league's biggest stars, to be able to break through and win titles.

Jordan didn't win his first NBA championship until he was 28 years old. He played in 65 playoff games before ever reaching the finals. LeBron James was 27 when he won his first championship, Kevin Durant was 28, Steph Curry was 27. Shaquille O'Neal was 28.

In fact, Kobe Bryant is the only NBA All-Star to win his first NBA championship before his 23rd birthday since 1980. And he had the benefit of playing alongside an older O'Neal while also being coached by Phil Jackson.

There are levels to NBA stardom, and players have to work their way there. 

While Edwards struggled Wednesday, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving combined for 63 points for the Mavs. It was Doncic's 44th career playoff game, and Irving's 87th. Both have played in the Western Conference Finals before, unlike Edwards, who was playing in only his 23rd career playoff game. 

During Edward's second-half struggles, Doncic, on two balky knees, went off for 15 points in the fourth quarter. He acknowledged after the game how he had to take over in that spot in order to get his team the victory. And he sure did, unlike Edwards.

Edwards has flashed great ability, but he's still early in his NBA stardom journey. He doesn't have the requisite experience and Wednesday was another reminder. 

He might become the next face of the NBA, but at 22 years old, he's not ready for that just yet.