Anthony Edwards was visibly frustrated during the Minnesota Timberwolves’ win against the Los Angeles Clippers, and his irritation wasn’t about the final score—it was about officiating. Edwards called for carrying during the game, used the opportunity to take a shot at Luka Doncic and the apparent preferential treatment stars receive from referees. Edwards vented at the referee, clearly annoyed by what he saw as an inconsistent application of the rules:
“Luka does it all game, but you’re gonna call it on me? That’s crazy. That’s crazy. This is 2024.”
ANT to the ref after he got a carrying violation:
“Luka does it all game but you’re gonna call it on ME?
That’s CRAZY. That’s crazy.
This is 2024.”
😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/y1hJ9SMnGN
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) December 5, 2024
A carrying violation occurs when a player’s hand goes below the ball during a live dribble, giving an unfair advantage. While the rule is straightforward, it’s often overlooked in today’s NBA, especially for superstar players. This leniency stems from a desire to keep the game exciting for fans, who pay to see dazzling dribbling displays and offensive highlights.
Edwards, now one of the league’s rising stars, believes he deserves the same benefit of the doubt afforded to players like Doncic. His frustration was compounded during the game when James Harden, another ball-dominant guard, was seen palming the ball multiple times without a whistle, right after Edwards was penalized for the same violation.
ANT gets called for a carry
*Next possession*
Harden carry’s on EVERY dribble 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/00aa0gxNwA
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) December 5, 2024
Edwards’ gripe isn’t new. The trend of superstars receiving leeway from officials dates back decades, with Allen Iverson serving as a key turning point. Iverson’s iconic crossover—while electrifying—was frequently criticized as a “blatant carry.” However, the NBA turned a blind eye, recognizing that his flashy style attracted fans and elevated the entertainment value of the game.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has echoed this sentiment, citing Iverson as a player who fundamentally changed the way referees viewed carrying violations. Edwards’ frustration underscores a broader issue: the challenge for young stars to gain the same level of respect from officials as their established counterparts.
Despite being in his fifth season and firmly establishing himself as a top-tier talent, Edwards still finds himself held to a different standard than players like Doncic, Harden, and Kevin Durant.
To Edwards’ credit, his candid remarks reveal a player who not only cares about fairness but also about the evolution of his game and stature in the league. As he continues to rise as one of the NBA’s brightest stars, it’s likely only a matter of time before officials start affording him the same leniency they grant to players like Doncic.
For Edwards, moments like this are both frustrating and formative. The Timberwolves are thriving, and Edwards is at the heart of their success. As his influence grows, so too will the respect he commands from referees. Until then, Edwards will have to let his play do the talking, even as he keeps a close eye on the whistles—or lack thereof—blown for the league’s superstars.
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