Anthony Edwards vs. Luka Doncic 2024 NBA Playoff Comparison

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks are set for an exciting battle in the Western Conference Finals and all eyes are on arguably the two future faces of the NBA, Anthony Edwards and Luka Doncic. These two stars have become elite superstars in their own right, and we have the breakdown of which player has the edge and who is likely to win the series.

Points Per Game

Anthony Edwards: 28.5 PPG

Luka Doncic: 31.0 PPG

Anthony Edwards has emerged as a top-10 player in the world, averaging 28.5 points per game in his postseason career so far. His development into a superstar is evident as he continues to deliver consistently high-scoring performances, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's premier scorers. During this playoff run, Edwards posted an impressive 28.9 PPG, reflecting his ability to maintain his scoring output under the heightened pressure of the playoffs.

On the other hand, Luka Doncic, despite sharing the spotlight with Kyrie Irving, has maintained his exceptional scoring ability, averaging 31.0 PPG in the 2024 playoffs. Doncic's playoff performances have consistently been remarkable, as he has averaged over 30 PPG in every postseason of his career. His ability to elevate his game during the most critical moments gives him an edge in this comparison.

Rebounds Per Game

Anthony Edwards: 5.4 RPG

Luka Doncic: 9.4 RPG

Edwards, primarily known as a score-first player, has shown notable improvement as a defender. Averaging 5.4 rebounds per game in the postseason, Edwards proves to be a capable rebounder despite not possessing the same physical attributes as Doncic. Standing at 6'4", Edwards leverages his athleticism and positioning to make impactful plays, even though his rebounding numbers are modest compared to the league's elite.

Doncic, on the other hand, stands out with his rebounding prowess, averaging 9.4 RPG throughout his postseason career. At 6'7" and 230 pounds, Doncic's size and strength enable him to dominate the boards effectively. This postseason, he has even surpassed his career average, pulling down 9.7 RPG. Doncic's ability to contribute significantly in multiple facets of the game is a testament to his all-around skill set, making him a walking triple-double threat.

Assists Per Game

Anthony Edwards: 5.0 APG

Luka Doncic: 8.2 APG

Edwards, averaging 5.0 assists per game so far in his postseason career, has shown significant growth as a playmaker. Drawing frequent double-teams due to his scoring prowess, Edwards has developed into a willing passer who moves the ball efficiently. His ability to quickly find open teammates underscores his unselfish nature and enhances his team's offensive fluidity.

A natural point guard or point-forward, Doncic's court vision and ball-handling skills are pivotal to the Mavericks' success. His higher assist numbers are a testament to his ability to orchestrate the offense, making his teammates better and ensuring the team's cohesion on the floor. Doncic's knack for making precise and timely passes is a key reason why the Mavericks' offense clicks so effectively. While Edwards is making strides as a playmaker, it's no surprise that Doncic, with his natural playmaking abilities and higher assist numbers, holds the edge in this aspect of the game.

Steals Per Game

Anthony Edwards: 1.6 SPG

Luka Doncic: 1.5 SPG

Anthony Edwards has emerged as an elite defender, adept at playing the passing lanes and pressuring ball-handlers. Averaging 1.6 steals per game over his postseason career, including an impressive 1.7 SPG this postseason, Edwards utilizes his speed and agility to disrupt the opposition. His defensive prowess allows him to create turnovers and convert them into easy-scoring opportunities.

Luka Doncic, while also showing improvement on the defensive end, averages 1.5 SPG in the playoffs. Though he may lack the explosiveness of Edwards, Doncic compensates with his intelligence and positioning. He excels at intercepting passes and making timely defensive plays once in a while, and this category is close but Edwards has the edge.

Blocks Per Game

Anthony Edwards: 1.1 BPG

Luka Doncic: 0.5 BPG

Anthony Edwards and Luka Doncic display contrasting abilities when it comes to shot-blocking. Anthony Edwards, known for his exceptional leaping ability, averages 1.1 blocks per game over his postseason career. The shooting guard posted a remarkable 2.0 BPG in the previous postseason, which has elevated his career average and showcased his potential as a formidable shot-blocker despite his guard position.

Luka Doncic, although taller than Edwards, averaging 0.5 BPG in the playoffs, does not possess the same explosive athleticism. Standing at 6'7", Doncic relies more on his size and positioning rather than his leaping ability to alter shots. His lower block numbers reflect his playing style, which is less focused on shot-blocking and more on using his height and reach to contest shots without leaving his feet.

Field-Goal Percentage

Anthony Edwards: 48.7%

Luka Doncic: 45.9%

Edwards, shooting 48.7% from the field, showcases a high level of efficiency, contributing 28.5 points per game with impressive accuracy. His ability to score efficiently despite not taking as many shots as Doncic underscores his potential as a dominant offensive player. Edwards' effective scoring is a testament to his shot selection and ability to convert high-percentage opportunities, indicating he will only improve as he gains more experience.

Luka Doncic compensates for his lower field-goal percentage with higher overall scoring numbers. His 31.0 PPG in the playoffs reflects his role as the primary offensive option for the Mavericks. Doncic's lower shooting percentage is balanced by his volume of shots and his ability to score in a variety of ways, making him a constant threat on the court. However, when it comes to pure shooting efficiency, Edwards holds the edge.

3-Point Percentage

Anthony Edwards: 38.8%

Luka Doncic: 34.6%

Anthony Edwards, shooting an impressive 38.8% from beyond the arc, can be considered an elite outside shooter. His three-point percentage has significantly improved over time, notably rising from 34.9% last season to an exceptional 39.8% this postseason. Edwards' natural shooting form and continuous improvement make him a formidable threat from long range.

Luka Doncic, on the other hand, has a career three-point shooting percentage of 34.6%, but he is shooting only 30.1% from deep this postseason. His lower percentage can be attributed to facing elite defenders like Paul George and Luguentz Dort in the first two rounds, making it challenging to find open looks. Despite being a streaky shooter, Doncic's ability to hit crucial shots under pressure remains valuable. However, Edwards holds the clear edge in terms of three-point efficiency because Doncic is a streaky shooter.

Free-Throw Percentage

Anthony Edwards: 83.9%

Luka Doncic: 71.6%

Edwards, an excellent free-throw shooter, has posted 83.9% in the postseason, showcasing his reliability in crucial moments. Over his three postseason runs, Edwards has consistently maintained over 80% accuracy, a testament to his steady improvement and focus. In the regular season, he has a career free-throw percentage of 79.3%, and this year he has surpassed the 80% mark, underscoring his growth as a dependable scorer from the line.

Luka Doncic, however, has struggled with his free-throw shooting, posting a career postseason percentage of 71.6%. Despite being a high-volume scorer, his lower percentage highlights an area where improvement could significantly enhance his overall scoring efficiency and reliability in tight games. While Doncic's scoring prowess remains undeniable, Edwards' superior free-throw shooting provides him with an edge in this aspect.

Playoff Series Record: Anthony Edwards vs. Luka Doncic 0-0

Anthony Edwards and Luka Doncic have yet to compete in the NBA playoffs, and this will be the first of hopefully many matchups we get to witness by the two youngsters Edwards is only 22 years old and has developed quickly to be a top-10 player while Doncic is only 25, meaning they will battle to be the face of the NBA for years to come. 

Final Score: Anthony Edwards vs. Luka Doncic 5-3

Anthony Edwards has the edge over Luka Doncic in five out of eight categories including efficiency from the field (FT, FG, 3-PT FG) and defense (SPG, BPG). Doncic has the edge in the triple-double categories and is a more volume scorer and passer for the Mavericks than Edwards is for the Timberwolves. 

Dallas relies on Doncic to make plays far more than Minnesota relies on Edwards because Mike Conley Jr is a capable point guard and Karl-Anthony Towns receives his touches as well. The Slovenian has more help this season with Kyrie Irving, but expect the final score in the analysis to show itself in the Western Conference Finals. 

Who Wins The Best-Of-7 Series Between The Timberwolves And Mavericks?

The Timberwolves and Mavericks will be locked in a series that will likely go six games at the minimum. Anthony Edwards and Luka Doncic have yet to compete against each other in the playoffs, but they have played 10 times in the regular season with each player winning five games. With so much setting them up for an exciting showdown, our analysis reveals that Edwards has the edge over Doncic when it comes to defensive stats and efficiency.

Doncic is a better volume scorer and playmaker while being able to use his size to rebound at a high level. Edwards is more efficient, prefers to take shots within an offense, and is far more athletic. He is shooting a higher percentage from the field across the board, plays passing lanes, and blocks shots better.

The Timberwolves will likely ride their momentum from their impressive series victory against the reigning NBA champions Denver Nuggets in the second round and likely take out the Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals. Edwards will benefit from Jaden McDaniels defending Luka Doncic which will give him space to attack his matchups and will be the driving force behind the Timberwolves making the NBA Finals in the player’s third postseason run.