The Timberwolves Know Anthony Edwards Is A Bonafide Leader

Game 1 was a fantastic summary of why the Timberwolves are a good team. They were aggressive all game, which was the instruction that Edwards told them before the game. The team moved well off the ball and defended with as much conviction as possible.

It was a well-rounded performance from the Timberwolves, as they got a dominant 117-95 win. The trio of the longest-standing Timberwolves Edwards, Naz Reid, and Jaden McDaniels, stood out as they combined for 70 total points. While Edwards was the main target of the Lakers' scouting report, his leadership encouraged everyone to step up.

Edwards' Teammates Appreciate His Leadership

The responsibility of being a superstar is heavy, but that is the price of being the franchise icon. Edwards does not have many problems embracing the role because he has the confidence and the talent to back it up. 

Aside from being the star with his production, Ant is always aware of his teammates. He wants them to shine as much as he wants to let himself shine. That is a good sign of a leader because he might have the most points often, but he wants everyone to contribute as well. 

"How he's been leading us, as young as he is, is kinda crazy to me. You'd think he's 30. Seriously. Just how vocal he is, he wants to win, you can tell, he's desperate," Reid said after Game 1. "He wants his teammates to do well -- it just falls down the line. It kinda falls into my hands with the younger hands as well. Just inspiring each other, day by day, moments like this today, it's huge."

It was also evident in his encouragement of Jaden McDaniels through the years. They have been together since they were drafted in 2020, and Ant has always known Jaden has the potential to become a reliable scorer. With his team-high 25 points in Game 1, McDaniels proved Edwards right.

The Timberwolves Could Get Even Further With Edwards As The Leader

Over the past few years, the Timberwolves have been split with the rising Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns as the focal points. When Towns got traded in the 2024 offseason, it was a sign that the Timberwolves organization chose Ant as the long-term star.

They got to the Western Conference Finals with Ant and KAT together as the duo, but this team might have more potential to become successful soon. This postseason, they are the underdogs against the Lakers, but they could pull off the upset.

With so much room to grow, Edwards could become one of the five best players in the league. Ant is already on the precipice, but he could succeed in cementing himself there. Thankfully, the Timberwolves are in a good place because of his production and leadership.