During the Minnesota Timberwolves-Indiana Pacers clash, Anthony Edwards lodged one of the best performances of his young career. A game-winning performance by Edwards led Kevin Garnett to laud the Wolves combo guard, comparing him to a prime Michael Jordan.
Advertisement
Anthony Edwards had the biggest role to play in the Timberwolves’ 113-111 win over Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers. He scored 44 points with 18 made field goals, grabbed 6 rebounds, and dished out 3 assists. Ant also had an excellent defensive display, recording 2 steals and 2 blocks including the game-winning block. as per NBA.com
During the dying seconds of the game, Indiana’s Aaron Nesmith pulled off a brilliant euro-step to lose Mike Conley as he approached the basket. At that moment, Edwards heroically swooped in and swatted away what would have been a game-tying layup, as seen in the X (Formerly Twitter) post by Hoop Central.
ANTHONY EDWARDS IS UNREAL.
pic.twitter.com/S7ulYr6Dgt https://t.co/D0KtWS0U5e
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 8, 2024
Similar to many enthusiasts and analysts, Ant-Man surprised himself with the chase-down block as well. During the on-court postgame interview, the 6ft 4” guard revealed how he’s “never jumped that high in his life”.
“I hit my head, I think, on the rim. It’s hurting real bad, and I landed on my wrist… I ain’t never jumped that high in my life.”
– Anthony Edwards.
(h/t @ClutchPoints)
pic.twitter.com/N27i3i9Jr2 https://t.co/LhxW2BIDA2
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 8, 2024
As soon as the game was over, several past legends of the game reacted to Edwards’ jaw-dropping display and Kevin Garnett was one of the many to be left in awe. Reacting to the Minnesota leader’s performance on X (formerly “Twitter”), KG had some lofty praises, comparing the 22-year-old to a 1988 Michael Jordan. The following is what he said in his X post.
Ant Man with a 40+ piece and the game winning BLOCK? 88 Mike shyt #BothEnds
Ant Man with a 40+ piece and the game winning BLOCK? 88 Mike shyt #BothEnds@Timberwolves
— Kevin Garnett (@KevinGarnett5KG) March 8, 2024
As bizarre as it may sound, Edwards’ performance compared to a prime MJ isn’t completely inaccurate. During the 1987-1988 season, Jordan recorded 35 points, 3.2 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game, winning the MVP as well as the DPOY, as per Basketball Reference. Tonight, Edwards had a similar stat line, putting his two-way capabilities on full display.
Garnett has previously also made comparisons between Ant and Jordan. A few weeks ago, the Wolves legend took to his podcast and stated that he agreed with Patrick Beverley’s comments about Ant being the next Jordan. Taking it a step further, the 2008 champ believed that Edwards was already “like a young, ’84 Jordan”.
“Edwards is lke 84′ Jordan.” @KevinGarnett5KG with HIGH PRAISE for Anthony Edwards
Tap In: https://t.co/Rh8z0kmQaX#NBA #NBATradeDeadline pic.twitter.com/44ZEG7tlwO
— All the Smoke Productions (@allthesmokeprod) February 8, 2024
Kendrick Perkins and injured teammate Karl-Anthony Towns also showered Ant-Man with some lofty praises.
Anthony Edwards is just a Different breed!!!! A casual 44 piece wing dinner “fried hard, All Flats” with arguably one of the best block shots of the season. The league is in great hands!!! Carry the hell on…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) March 8, 2024
@theantedwards_ https://t.co/U34lQ6Hobb
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) March 8, 2024
At 22 years old, Anthony Edwards is already setting the world alight. With the star already one of the top-17 players in the NBA, there is no telling how good he may become in the future. Who knows? He may even be better than Michael Jordan ever was.