Thursday night at the Target Center, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards marked a significant milestone in his burgeoning career during the team’s 131-122 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. At just 24 years old, Edwards scored 25 points, contributing nine assists and seven rebounds, allowing him to become the third-youngest player in NBA history to reach 10,000 career points, behind only legends LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
In achieving this milestone, Edwards joins an elite group of seven players who have scored 10,000 points before turning 25, alongside renowned scorers such as Kobe Bryant, Luka Doncic, Tracy McGrady, and Carmelo Anthony. In only his sixth NBA season, he is establishing himself as one of the league’s premier talents, exuding confidence and charisma that is reminiscent of the game’s greats.
Teammate Julius Randle, a three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA player, praised Edwards during a post-game interview, stating, “He’s him, he’s one of one. I mean, he’s the best player in the league, what can I say?” Randle’s comments highlight the respect Edwards commands, particularly as they form a formidable duo for the Timberwolves, who boast a strong 25-13 record and sit fourth in the Western Conference.
Edwards’ scoring prowess became evident early in his career, as he averaged 19.3 points per game in his rookie year. With a competitive mindset, he aims to elevate his game against the league’s best, expressing in 2022 that facing legends like LeBron and Durant inspires him to take charge and score. This fierce determination has propelled him to join the elite ranks of NBA scorers.
Minnesota’s head coach, Chris Finch, emphasized that Edwards’ scoring ability is just one facet of his game. He highlighted the importance of teamwork, noting how well Edwards executes plays and collaborates with his teammates. Finch remarked, “The scoring comes natural to him,” referencing Edwards’ first 40-point game during his rookie season as a sign of his potential.
Under Edwards’ leadership, the Timberwolves have reached the postseason in the past four seasons, including back-to-back appearances in the Western Conference semifinals. As Edwards continues to develop his skills and command the court, there is growing optimism that he could lead Minnesota to the NBA Finals and perhaps secure a championship ring. The trajectory of his career suggests that the NBA might yet witness the rise of another legendary player.