Anthony Edwards is one of the league's most impressive players. He has taken the Minnesota Timberwolves to a place that only Kevin Garnett has previously led them to. The 2024-25 season is likely an All-NBA campaign for Edwards, but he has stood out because he always takes over games when the Timberwolves need him to.
Only a few players can be as intimidating as Edwards when he is in the zone. In the past, he would have taken over through constant drives into the paint, but he has evolved past that. He is now a three-level scorer, as shown by his ascent to become an elite three-point shooter.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts after making a shot against the Golden State Warriors in the first half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
In the series against the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, the Timberwolves got control of the games when Edwards took over. As soon as he finds his rhythm, he will be aggressive with his attacks to the paint and his willingness to take step-back and pull-up three-pointers.
He has a natural knack for scoring, which has made him one of the most dangerous players to face. When he feels ready to take over, there are only a few players like him because he has all the skills to take over and the attitude to make audacious decisions.
Opponents Must Be Wary When Playing Against Edwards
Even if he is at the top of opponents' scouting reports, it is still near impossible to contain Edwards. He always feels confident, so he will do his best to build his rhythm. Ant can drive into the paint to hit layups or throw down highlight dunks.
When teams try to stop him from driving, he can easily create space and shoot three-pointers. He does not need to create his shot because his teammates can set screens and help him get open. Edwards is one of the most impossible players to defend, but it gets worse for opponents when he feels he's in the zone.
"I trust myself. I tell them, ‘It’s time, it’s time for that,' so they already know. When I get in that mode, just give me the ball and try to get me open. I tell them all the time, ‘you set a good screen, we gonna score. I promise you," Edwards said after Game 5 against the Warriors.
It is an admirable trait for Edwards because he is always ready to prove he is one of the best players on the court. That shows he is a phenomenal player, as he will do his best to lead his team to victory. That has led to him becoming a more well-rounded offensive player because he has also become a fantastic playmaker.
The Timberwolves Are Lucky To Have Edwards
Winning the draft lottery is always the right stroke of luck for any team. In the 2020 NBA Draft, Edwards was the crown jewel for the Timberwolves. He was immediately seen as a franchise player because he had the athleticism and the personality typically seen in superstars.
He and Karl-Anthony Towns held the team together as two stars, but Towns getting traded opened the door for Edwards to fully embrace his role as the leader.
Nowadays, the commitment to Edwards has paid off because they are back in the Western Conference Finals for the second consecutive year. During this process, he had many takeovers as he cemented himself as one of the league's best players. The Timberwolves and their fans are happy to have him as their best player.