There was high praise for Minnesota Timberwolves rising star Anthony Edwards as they swept the Phoenix Suns to become the first team to advance to the second round of the playoffs.
Timberwolves Star Receives High Praise After Sweeping Suns
The Timberwolves survived the best offensive output the Suns offered all series to seal the series sweep at the Footprint Center in Arizona. This is the first time in their 35-year history that they will be recording a sweep in the postseason. It’s just the second time in their history that they passed the first round of the playoffs; the other time was in 2004.
Edwards arguably saved his best performances for last. He put up 40 points on 13-for-23 shooting, nine rebounds, six assists, one steal, and two blocks in 41 minutes of action. He led his team in three-pointers (seven) and, more interestingly, offensive rebounds (four).
Karl-Anthony Towns had a double-double on the night, 28 points and 10 rebounds on an efficient 11-for-17 shooting performance. Jaden McDaniels continued to impress on the offensive end, adding 18 points on 6-of-12 shots. His jump from 10.5 points per game during the regular season to 14.3 during the playoffs has been a welcome surprise.
Suns star Devin Booker left it a little too late to have an impact in the series. He recorded his first 30-point game of the series despite recording 25 30+ point games during the regular season. Booker finished the game with 49 points on 13-of-21 shooting, five rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block. He made 20 of his 21 free throw attempts.
Kevin Durant scored 33 points on a highly efficient 12-of-17 from the field. He also contributed nine rebounds, five assists, and four blocks. Ultimately, the 82 points from their star tandem proved to not be enough, and there will be tough questions asked this summer within the Suns organization, especially surrounding Frank Vogel’s job security.
Face of the league
“He’s the face of the league, I been saying that. He hate when I say it but it’s true.” 🔥
KAT on Anthony Edwards pic.twitter.com/ltqVtv8Jfe
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 29, 2024
Towns, in the post-game presser, heaped huge praise on his franchise’s cornerstone. It is normal for teammates to prop each other up, but this statement is still noteworthy. “Face of the league” implies he’s at least a top 10 player in the league. Some would argue that the title is reserved for the top five players in the NBA.
While Edwards being considered a top-10 player is a stretch, it’s incredibly impressive that he’s already in these conversations at just 22 years old. If he continues on the trajectory he is on, it won’t be a surprise to see him as a face of the league sooner rather than later.
A Favorite Player to Watch
“So impressed with Ant. My favorite player to watch.” 🙌
KD gives high praise to Anthony Edwards pic.twitter.com/4gNg4GY9Je
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 29, 2024
Durant also had high praises for Edwards. This follows the comments he made after Game 3 when asked by reporters about Edwards’ taunting during the game.
“You win the game, do whatever you want,” Durant told reporters.
It is obvious that Durant respects Edwards’ game and personality. It’s hard not to respect the intensity Edwards plays with on both ends of the floor. It’s high praise that one of the greatest ever to play the sport has him as his favorite player in this very talented league. They will be teammates in the summer Olympics, provided none of them sustain any injuries. We are witnessing a passing of torch moment in the NBA.
