Is Anthony Edwards the best shooting guard in the NBA?

Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards is making his case as the best two-guard in the association. 

Minnesota took a commanding 3-1 lead against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday afternoon in a thrilling 116-113 victory. Edwards contributed 43 points, nine rebounds and six assists on 12-of-23 shooting from the field and 5-of-10 from beyond the arc and drew a crucial foul on Lebron James in the waning moments of the game. The 2020 No. 1 overall pick knocked down the game-winning free throws.

Edwards's performance against Los Angeles has been nothing short of impressive. He is averaging 29.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and five assists in four games against the Lakers. 

Edwards has shown a penchant for eliminating NBA all-time legends in his last two postseason campaigns

In 2024, Edwards and the Timberwolves swept the Kevin Durant-led Phoenix Suns in the first round. Edwards averaged 31 points, eight rebounds and 6.3 assists in that series. In round two, the Timberwolves eliminated the then-reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets in a grueling seven game series. Edwards measured 27.7 points, 5.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds in the dogfight against Nikola Jokic and company.

His early playoff exploits, combined with his ever-improving regular-season play, solidify his place as the league's preeminent shooting guard.

Edwards premier counterparts at the position are Donovan Mitchell and Devin Booker. Mitchell, 28, has had a strong regular season for the Cavaliers, leading them to their second-best record in franchise history (64-18). The 2017 first round pick averaged 24 points, 4.5 rebounds and five assists. Mitchell's size and frame allows him to be effective on the defensive end as well. 

However, Mitchell has yet to lead a team past the second round in seven playoff appearances. He could erase that fact this postseason, but Edwards already has an edge in that department.

As for Booker, he remains as one of the best overall scorers in the association. However, Edwards defensive ability outweighs Booker's by a significant margin. Edwards's overall impact on the court is more effectual than Booker at this juncture. 

Edwards and the Timberwolves are on pace to eliminate Luka Doncic and James from the playoffs in the first round. If the Wolves can close the series, Edwards will have contributed heavily in the eliminations of Kevin Durant, Luka Doncic, Lebron James and Nikola Jokic over the last two postseasons as he continues to make his case as the face of the NBA.