Anthony Edwards, who has been called the “legend slayer,” has eliminated yet another star player’s team.
Not just one star player… but two during this postseason.
All in a matter of a few weeks, the 23-year-old has eliminated Steph Curry and LeBron James, two of the top players of the past two decades.
It begs the question: Are we finally witnessing the official transition from one era to another?
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The NBA’s youth movement has led to the creation of the next era
One by one, we have seen champions and stars from the 2010s slowly fade out of the playoff spotlight and be eliminated over the past month.
Kawhi Leonard and James Harden lost a first-round series to the Nuggets.
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers were dominated by the Timberwolves, who just went on to beat Steph Curry’s Golden State Warriors.
Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns couldn’t even make a playoff appearance as they struggled in the regular season.
The new era of the NBA is officially here. pic.twitter.com/atrlteyi0h
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 15, 2025
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Here’s a look at the teams remaining in the playoffs, many of which are led by young superstars under the age of 30:
All the young stars have taken over and told the old stars that it’s their time to take over.
The Pacers are in back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals, something most probably wouldn’t have guessed going into the playoffs, having to beat a tough Bucks and Cavaliers team.
The Thunder have ascended to one of the league’s top teams after not even being a playoff team just a few years ago, and have a potential MVP in Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander.
Despite now likely missing the next 12 months, Jayson Tatum just came off a championship in 2024 with a lot left to prove in years to come.
Anthony Edwards has been doubted for his performances in high-pressure games and is now dominating teams that were projected to beat him.
It was inevitable, but we have officially watched the young stars take over and the playoff stars of the past being eliminated with just a few years left of good basketball before retiring.
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