“Anthony Edwards surpasses LeBron James and Kevin Durant”: Timberwolves rookie posts 42 points in loss to Ja Morant and co

Anthony Edwards put up a career high 42 points against the Memphis Grizzlies and surpassed LeBron James and Kevin Durant in the process. 

Though the Minnesota Timberwolves caught yet another loss last night, they did so with their rookie sensation, Anthony Edwards, entering the NBA record books to firmly place his name alongside the likes of LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Edwards has been nothing short of incredible in his rookie campaign and truly came alive following the All-Star break. 

He’s dealt with a bevy of inefficient games from his side but being the first or second option on the offensive end of the floor night in and night out is a lot to ask from a rookie. Nonetheless, ‘Ant-Man’ has shown great progress throughout the season in developing his offensive game as a whole.

Also read: “Bradley Beal put Antetokounmpo on skates”: Wizards star pulled off a wicked ankle-breaker in their narrow loss to Giannis and co

Anthony Edwards proved this by putting on an all-around performance against Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies last night by dropping 42 points on incredible efficiency. 

Anthony Edwards puts himself in the conversation with LeBron James and Kevin Durant. 

Though dropping 42 points is an incredible feat to achieve as a rookie in this league, the fashion in which Anthony Edwards did so was what caught everyone’s eye; subsequently placing him in the NBA record books. His 42 points came from going 8-9 from beyond the arc and shooting an overall 77% from the field. 

This type of a statline effectively makes him the youngest player in NBA history to drop 40+ points while making 5+ threes in a game, surpassing both LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Not only that but he’s also the first rookie to have 40+ points, 8+ threes, all while shooting 75%+ from the field. 

Anthony Edwards is the first 19-year-old in NBA history to drop 40+ points and 5+ threes in a game.

19y, 273d — Anthony Edwards
20y, 29d — Eric Gordon
20y, 52d — Brandon Jennings
20y, 70d — Kevin Durant
20y, 80d — LeBron James pic.twitter.com/lTsRACCvpV

— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 6, 2021

Also read: “If Shaq had hit more free throws, he’d be Top 5”: Jeanie Buss hilariously roasts the ‘Big Aristotle’ after replacing him with LeBron James on the ‘Top 5 Lakers’ list

Everything Anthony Edwards learned over his rookie season culminated in this masterpiece of a performance from him last night. He has nearly perfected his stepback from both the mid-range and the3, he has absolute control over his pace when driving down the lane, and has improved his catch-and-shoot mechanics. 

Despite the Timberwolves being eliminated from Playoff contention, they most certainly a great future ahead of them with Karl Anthony-Towns, D’Angelo Russell, and Anthony Edwards at the helm. Not to mention that they have a Mikal Bridges-esque player in Jaden McDaniels.