Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards enlists Katt Williams for new adidas ad taking aim at SGA

SGA and ANT: Court rivalry is heating up

That rivalry reached its peak during the 2025 Western Conference Finals, when Gilgeous-Alexander’s Thunder eliminated Edwards’ Timberwolves in five games. Edwards flashed brilliance, averaging 23 points, but Gilgeous-Alexander’s composure and efficiency proved decisive. The league’s MVP averaged 31.4 points and guided Oklahoma City to its first NBA Finals appearance since 2012.

After the Game 5 loss, Edwards was blunt with reporters. 

“We lost. I can’t think about how close I might have gotten. We lost. That’s all that matters. ... They came out and beat us, punched us in the face.”

Later, he vowed to return stronger: "Nobody is going to work harder than me this summer,” he said.

In Minnesota's 118-114 win over Portland in the season opener, Edwards scored 41 points. SGA, meanwhile, looks even better than last season. In his first two games of the season, both double-overtime wins, he is averaging 45 points, 6.5 rebounds, and five assists.

The new faces of the NBA

The contrast between the stars is striking and part of what makes their battles must-see TV. Edwards is brash, emotional and explosive, built for highlights and headlines. Gilgeous-Alexander is calm and clinical, dismantling defenses with precision. Together, they are the new faces of the Western Conference.

Off the court, their personas mirror their games. Edwards leans into charisma and comedy, blending basketball swagger with pop-culture flair through his adidas partnership. Gilgeous-Alexander, one of the league’s best-dressed players, exudes understated confidence and style through his Converse deal.

With the AE 2 rollout and Williams’ sharp-tongued assist, Edwards made sure the rivalry stayed loud even in defeat. Gilgeous-Alexander might have taken the conference finals series, but Edwards took center stage in the culture war, reminding everyone that the league’s next great rivalry has arrived.