The stage is set for the Western Conference finals as the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves battle in what should be an epic series.
All eyes will be on the two superstars from each side as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards go toe-to-toe to prove which young stud is more capable of leading his team to the NBA Finals.
Edwards, in particular, never lacks confidence. In fact, he firmly believes that he's a better player than Gilgeous-Alexander, and the Wolves guard did not hesitate to state the same in a previous interview with ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.
"I think that's dope because I think he's exactly right," Edwards responded when asked about LeBron James' comments about being the future of the league. "Me and Shai and Luka (Doncic) for sure."
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5)Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2).
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5)Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2).
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
When asked straight up how he believes he measures up to Gilgeous-Alexander and Doncic, Edwards made his thoughts abundantly clear.
"I feel like I'm a better player, 100%," he said.
This interview happened way back in February 2024, and so much has happened since then--including either Edwards and Gilgeous-Alexander heading to their first NBA Finals and potentially winning their first career championship.
Edwards will now have an opportunity to prove that he can back up his big claim with Game 1 of the West finals scheduled for Tuesday night. Edwards has already achieved a lot in his young NBA career, but he will face arguably his biggest test in this series.
It's time for him to step up to the plate.