In a game where stars shine their brightest, Anthony Edwards illuminated the court like never before, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a historic 4-0 sweep of the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
The showdown at Footprint Center was expected to be a clash of titans, with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker showcasing their prowess for the Suns against the formidable duo of Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. However, it was the young guns from Minnesota who stole the spotlight, leaving the Suns’ championship dreams shattered.
Anthony Edwards when has to face
— BLAC™ (@ArseLegend) April 29, 2024
Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal 😭 😭 pic.twitter.com/cX1i1VApnv
From the opening tip, it was evident that neither team was willing to back down. With the Suns fighting to keep their season alive, the Timberwolves displayed a hunger and determination rarely seen in playoff rookies. Despite Durant and Booker combining for an impressive 82 points, it was Edwards’ heroics that sealed the fate of the Suns.
The absence of Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch, who left the game due to injury, added a layer of uncertainty to the already intense matchup. Yet, his team rallied behind Edwards’ brilliance, proving that they were a force to be reckoned with even in the face of adversity.
Edwards’ performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he poured in 40 points while showcasing his versatility with nine rebounds, six assists, and a display of defensive prowess. His clutch plays down the stretch, including a thunderous dunk over Durant, left the Phoenix crowd silenced and the Suns reeling.
ANTHONY EDWARDS TONIGHT:
— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) April 29, 2024
40 POINTS
8 REBOUNDS
6 ASSISTS
1 STEAL
1 BLOCK
🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/fSuQZqgiHe
While Towns delivered a solid performance with 28 points and 10 rebounds, it was the collective effort of the Timberwolves that propelled them to victory. Jaden McDaniels stepped up with 18 points, providing crucial support in the absence of Finch.
On the opposing end, Booker’s valiant effort of 49 points was commendable, but ultimately insufficient to overcome the relentless onslaught from Minnesota. With Durant adding 33 points to the mix, the Suns’ lack of depth proved to be their downfall.
KAT tonight:
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 29, 2024
28 PTS
10 REB
11-17 FG
His first ever series win. https://t.co/h74PThYWZi
As the final buzzer sounded, the Timberwolves celebrated their first playoff series victory since 2004, marking a significant milestone for the franchise. For Edwards, it was a coming-of-age moment, solidifying his status as a rising star in the league.
Now, as the Timberwolves await the winner of the series between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers, Edwards and his team are poised to continue their remarkable journey through the postseason. With each victory, they defy expectations and carve their place among the NBA elite, leaving a trail of stunned opponents in their wake.