Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards solidifies status as 'legend killer' 

On Wednesday night, the Timberwolves star added a pair of legends to his growing list of playoff victims, as Minnesota secured a series-clinching Game 5 victory over the LeBron James- and Luka Doncic-led Lakers.

"It means a lot," Edwards, 23, said of his team's series win against Los Angeles. "We beat the best player in the world. We beat the best player ever."

Edwards also took a moment to clap back at the national media members who deemed the Timberwolves as underdogs in the series. 

"They said, 'Lakers in five,' and the Wolves won in five, so I think that makes it feel 10 times better," Edwards said.

Since going first overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, Edwards has earned a reputation as one of the league's more outspoken, fearless superstars. Whether it's during the regular season or under the bright lights of the postseason, Edwards is eager to compete with the best. More often than not, we've seen the Timberwolves star get the better of these treasured marquee matchups. 

Edwards was an absolute force during the first-round matchup against the Lakers, averaging 26.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists. Even while sharing the court with Doncic and James, Edwards stood out as the best player in the series.

Although the Timberwolves — who will face either Golden State or Houston in the next round — still face an uphill climb to the NBA Finals, the franchise, both fans and brass alike, should be thrilled about what they've seen from the young superstar.

Durant, James and Jokic are three of the best players of all time, and in back-to-back seasons, Edwards has made quick work of them in the playoffs. 

"I've been with him long enough to know that doubting him is not a really good strategy," Minnesota coach Chris Finch said Tuesday. "He always wants to prove you wrong, and so sometimes he'll figure things out faster than you think he will. He has a great sense of the moment."

Entering this season, many questioned if Edwards is the next face of the NBA. Now, after snatching the crown from King James on global television, it appears that the legend killer is primed to carry the torch into the future.