ORLANDO, Fla. – It’s often said that no matter the sport, every game has a “defining moment.”
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, the top option in the Wolves’ offensive scheme, had one of those moments against the Orlando Magic. He used his leadership skills, along with his basketball talents, to push the T-Wolves back into position to solidify a Top-6 seed in the NBA Western Conference.
Edwards has been complimented for his three-point touch as he shoots 42.7 percent from three, while adorning the paint off the dribble with his diversification of finishes at the rim.
With 3:19 remaining in the third quarter against Orlando, Minnesota had fought off numerous runs by the injured Magic to have a slight advantage.
Edwards had ideas about how the Timberwolves could finish off an Orlando team that was suffering from injuries to three starters – Paolo Banchero, Mo Wagner and Jalen Suggs – as well as role player Franz Wagner.
Edwards took a handoff from center Naz Reid on the left side of the floor, blew by Magic forward Trevelin Queen and slammed a massive dunk over guard Anthony Black. He pushed the Timberwolves lead to 68-58 when he took off on the left block and rose into the air with a right-handed flush.
From that point on, Minnesota had the upper hand
“The ‘away’ fans get on your side after a dunk like that,” said Edwards. “That does nothing but give us energy. That gives me energy for sure. You feel like you are at home after you dunk on somebody like that.”
The former Georgia Bulldog used Reid as a screen which scrambled Orlando’s defense to start a 19-4 Timberwolves run. The play created momentum that had been missing as both teams battled in the half-court throughout most of the second and third quarters.
With 11:17 remaining in the game, Edwards scored on a layup plus a free throw to give Minnesota an 84-62 lead. That margin would grow to 24 points before the T-Wolves secured a 104-89 win.
At the outset of the game, Edwards buried three three-point field goals, and Minnesota grabbed the lead at 12-7 with 8:10 left in the first quarter and never trailed.
“I really like the way Edwards is playing,” said Wolves head coach Chris Finch. “I think he is picking his spots really well.”
Forward Julius Randle, who came into Minneapolis after five seasons with the New York Knicks, applauded Edwards’ ability and efforts as the premier starter on the team.
“I think one of the things I appreciate the most from a superstar like him and he is young, but he plays every single night,” said Randle. “He plays with a certain energy and effort every single night and I appreciate that.”
Edwards sees many different matchups in every Timberwolves game. He has learned how to find the different shots inside of those matchups.
“It’s very challenging at times, but it is fun to try to figure out different ways to still be aggressive and still be myself,” Edwards said. “Just watching more and more film is starting to make it more of a relief, instead of stressing me out, so it is fun.”
