The Minnesota Timberwolves’ gamble of making Anthony Edwards the top overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft massively paid off. Since then, the shooting guard from Georgia has had three All-Star selections and was an All-NBA Second Team member in 2024.
He may not be the tallest player on the court, but he stands above his peers. Recalling his memorable performances during Minnesota’s playoff run last season makes him one of the league’s marquee players.
While he’s affectionately known as “Ant-Man,” he’s the biggest pest among their opponents. The Denver Nuggets felt his bite when he scored 43 points in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Likewise, the Dallas Mavericks weren’t spared from Edwards, who dropped a near triple-double (29 points, ten rebounds, nine assists) in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals. This season, he scored a career-high 53 points against the Detroit Pistons.
It’s rare for 20-something NBA players to manifest this level of composure, especially during high-pressure situations like playoff basketball. However, Anthony Edwards remains unfazed, even if the opposing team pays extra attention to him defensively and antagonistic fans heckle him non-stop.
What’s his secret? In addition to his innate talent, he takes inspiration from the mindset of an NBA icon.
“My trainer told me to blackout tonight. So I tried to do that. I know people gonna love this: he sent me MJ (Michael Jordan) videos every day about blacking out. MJ said, ‘Why would I worry about a miss if I haven’t took the shot yet?’” Edwards shared with TNT Sports courtside reporter Stephanie Ready following their April 11 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
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Jordan is the epitome of basketball greatness, as proven by his six NBA championships and five Most Valuable Player awards. Edwards drew from Air Jordan’s mentality to score 44 points and drain seven three-pointers, making him the first Timberwolves player to score 44 or more against Memphis.
More importantly, that victory keeps Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves in the top eight of the Western Conference playoff picture. They could rise as high as the fourth seed, depending on how the Nuggets, the Grizzlies, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Golden State Warriors will close out the regular season.
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