Anthony Edwards Delivers Strong Words After Blowing Out Lakers
Anthony Edwards has always let his play—and his words—do the talking. And on Saturday night, both were loud and clear.
The Timberwolves star helped Minnesota to a commanding 117-95 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of their opening-round playoff series.
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It was a statement win, and Edwards was at the center of it before exiting in the third quarter with a minor leg injury but was able to return early in the fourth. He finished with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists on 8-of-22 shooting, including 4-of-9 from deep in 35 minutes.
Edwards has been electric all season long, averaging 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists while shooting 39.5% from three. And while he's no stranger to big regular-season moments, the playoffs are a different beast.
Saturday night, he looked every bit the part of a rising postseason star.
Still, despite the performance and the blowout, Edwards wasn't looking to gloat. When asked after the game what message he had for fans and media doubters—many of whom picked the Lakers to win the series—Edwards offered a surprisingly restrained response.
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'No message, man," Edwards said.
He followed that up with a bit more, showing just how grounded the Wolves are heading into the rest of the series.
'They still got the Lakers. The Lakers supposed to win. That's just how it's supposed to go,' he said. 'We're not supposed to be here, so we just going to compete to the best of our ability.'
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5).Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
It wasn't trash talk—it was quiet confidence.
Minnesota has their foot on the gas. Edwards may be taking a humble approach publicly, but make no mistake. The Wolves believe they belong.
Related: Bronny James' Performance in Lakers' Blowout Loss Turns Heads
Related: 5-Star Duke Signee Disappoints at Jordan Brand Classic
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