Anthony Edwards made a big statement after the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a dominant 117-95 victory in Game 1 against the La Lakers.
Despite a start and start from him, Anthony Edwards stepped up as the game progressed, making sure he finished with 22 points, eight rebounds and nine assists in the evening.
It was a perfect team performance for the Minnesota Timberwolves as Edwards, Naz Reed and Jaden McDaniels scored 70 points in the win.
After taking the lead in the NBA Playoffs Series, Reed praised Edwards’ leadership.
The 23-year-old was pleased with the team’s performance, but decided to make a statement at a press conference.
Edwards said there was no message to anyone as many people still had the LA Lakers to win the series.
The Lakers seemed to have dug up the Lakers, saying that many believe they don’t think the Timberwolves would be in the playoffs.
Speaking about the outcome, Edwards said: “There’s no guy with message. The Lakers should win.
The three-time All-Star also highlighted the time it took for the team to come along and play as a unit.
“We got a great group, but not tonight. We learned at training camp. It takes a minute for us to gel. It was a new team and it took us a minute for us to understand each other.
The Timberwolves were a franchise that had not participated in the playoffs since the 2017-2018 season and had not been to the Western Conference Finals since 2003-2004.
However, Edwards has traveled four times in a row in a postseason since joining the team, reaching last year’s conference final.
Not only is Edwards one of the best players in the league, he is also an incredible leader who lifts his teammates by celebrating his contributions.
Reed gave him his leadership and when asked how he evolved as a leader at a postgame press conference, Star Guard said:
“I think the main thing is the people who I had to talk to to pull them to the side, and some of the people I can listen to, are those who aren’t afraid to do that.
Edwards is now in his fifth year as a player and is already the face of the franchise and leads them in the playoffs.
While many people personally hoped he would be this good, Edwards didn’t think it would change the fate of a franchise that had not attracted superstar players for over a decade.