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Thunder Coach Makes His Opinion of Anthony Edwards Very Clear

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated May 20, 2025 8:47 PM ET

There's no denying that the biggest threat the Oklahoma City Thunder could face in the Western Conference finals is Anthony Edwards.

The three-time All-Star has been nothing short of spectacular throughout the NBA playoffs, and Edwards will now be looking to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to their first NBA Finals appearance at the expense of the Thunder.

Ahead of tip-off of Game 1 on Tuesday night, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault was asked to share his opinion of the young Wolves star. The 40-year-old Thunder boss had nothing but good things to say about Edwards.

"He's a great player and has done a great job there," Daigneault told the media in his pre-game press conference. "I think it speaks to how young he was when he came into the league and was, you know, really in this role right off the bat.

"... It's crazy. It's just the amount of experience he's amassed at 23 is nuts."

As Daigneault pointed out, Edwards has already achieved so much at such a young age. A testament to this fact is how he has now made it to the West finals for two consecutive seasons in just his fifth year in the league.

"He's done a great job of seeing the pictures, the game slowing down for him, finding a blend," Daigneault continued. "And this is a team where every single person that touches the floor and is on the floor with him is a threat. ... They're playing as well as anybody since March 1st, pretty much."

Mark Daigneault on Anthony Edwards’ growth in the playoffs:

“He’s a great player and has done a great job there. I think it speaks to how young he was when he came in the league and was in this role right off the bat… the amount of experience he’s amassed at 23 is nuts” pic.twitter.com/waMP0Z4tIR
— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) May 20, 2025

Daigneault did not play down what Minnesota brings to the table beyond Edwards. He is well aware of the fact that the 6-foot-4 is the most dangerous player on the squad, but the Thunder coach has also recognized Edwards' ability to make his teammates around him better whenever he's on the floor.

Daigneault had nothing but high praise for Edwards, but it is also clear that OKC has gone to great lengths to prepare for him in this series.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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