{"id":76498,"date":"2024-05-07T09:15:59","date_gmt":"2024-05-07T13:15:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=76498"},"modified":"2024-05-07T09:15:59","modified_gmt":"2024-05-07T13:15:59","slug":"timberwolves-anthony-edwards-jaden-mcdaniels-x-factor-game-2-blowout","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/07\/timberwolves-anthony-edwards-jaden-mcdaniels-x-factor-game-2-blowout\/","title":{"rendered":"Timberwolves Leader Shouts Out Team’s ‘X-Factor’ After Blowout"},"content":{"rendered":"

While the media’s attention during the Minnesota Timberwolves’ playoff run has revolved around All-Star guard Anthony Edwards<\/a>, the reason that the up-and-coming Western Conference contender is running rings around the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals extends far beyond what he has to offer.<\/p>\n

That isn’t to downplay Edwards’ impact. In fact, the former No. 1 pick is playing a lot like the very man who he wants people to stop comparing him to<\/a>. Averaging 32.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, Edwards is doing it all during the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Furthermore, while this is his second straight postseason averaging at least 31 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, it’s his first time doing so while shooting 41.9 percent from 3. Simply put, all 30 NBA teams would love to have a player of Edwards’ caliber.<\/p>\n

Anthony Edwards Shouts Out ‘X-Factor’ Jaden McDaniels<\/h2>\n

However, with so much fanfare, the spotlight has come off of his teammates. This is a problem for Edwards. A natural born leader, the 22-year-old often takes the time to compliment his teammates when he’s at the podium. It was no different after Minnesota took Denver’s lunch money in Game 2, winning by 26 points.<\/p>\n

“But I do just want to shoutout Jaden McDaniels before I get out of here,” Edwards began.<\/p>\n

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Anthony Edwards took the opportunity to give huge props to Jaden McDaniels: I do want to just shout out Jaden McDaniels before I get outta here. He\u2019s been phenomenal this whole playoff run and this series in particular. I think he\u2019s like a +51 or something and only probably had 5\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/ekRF51sqBb<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Nadine Babu (@NadineBabu) May 7, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n