Anthony Edwards, since joining the NBA in 2020, has been a centerpiece of the Minnesota Timberwolves’s championship aspirations. The 1st overall draft pick has taken his game to another level in recent seasons, earning him back-to-back All-Star selections in 2023 and 2024.
With all the impressive performances for the franchise and the USA national team, it is only obvious that his name is sung with high regard. NBA legend and analyst Shaquille O’Neal has joined the bandwagon after Ant-Man’s superheroics against the Clippers.
Shaquille O’Neal lauds Anthony Edwards
During the game between the Clippers and Timberwolves, Shaquille O’Neal could not stop himself from raving about Anthony Edwards. Shaq, who is well known for his opinionated nature, hopped on the hype train for the 22-year-old.
Anthony Edwards, who was even compared to Michael Jordan has now been compared to two more NBA legends. At halftime, the former Lakers center said on TNT Sports, “This kid right here, he’s not stopping. He wants it,” O’Neal said. “… This guy is the system and he is the man. … He reminds me of a young D-Wade and a young Kobe.” The TNT analyst didn’t stop there and revealed that he respects the Timberwolves guard’s unreal desire to win.
Anthony Edwards proved Shaquille O’Neal right after the resumption by leading the Timberwolves to a comeback victory.
Anthony Edwards dominant performance against Clippers
Anthony Edwards brought his A-game during the Clippers showdown and once Kawhi Leonard departed the court due to a back spasm, there was no stopping Ant.
Edwards dropped a 37-point performance along with 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Nickeil Alexander-Walker also helped lead the comeback win with a career-high 28 points. After trailing by 8 points in the first half, Anthony Edwards and Co. raved it up in the second half in the absence of Kawhi Leonard. Paul George only managed to get 22 points but the die was cast and the Minnesota team recorded an 118-100 win against their Western Conference rivals.
Timberwolves’ number 5 displayed his range of shooting with 51.7% field goals and 25% from downtown, taking his average points per game to 26.4 for the season. Tuesday’s performance marked his 25th game with 30-plus points and tied him with Kevin Durant for the fifth spot.
With Rudy Gobert leaving the game in the latter stages, the Timberwolves’ injury list grew to raise concerns as Karl Anthony-Towns is already sidelined with a knee injury. The Timberwolves will face the Jazz on Mar. 17 and will hope to continue their championship quests with a much-needed break.
