Anthony Edwards has never been shy about giving respect to the legends of the game, and before last year’s playoff series against the Phoenix Suns, he made it clear that Kevin Durant was his favorite player and his personal GOAT. However, as the series unfolded, Edwards quickly went from admiring Durant to dominating him, especially when the two matched up one-on-one.
“That’s my favorite player. That’s my GOAT. Even in Game 1, I think this motherf***er hit like seven straight shots in a row. Like, a tray ball, mid-range, mid-range, layup, tray ball. So I’m starting to see, like, okay, yeah, Kevin Durant is real.”
“Like, he real. I turned into a fan, honestly. I was just out there like, damn, this is crazy. But I had to reel myself back in, like, all right, they starting to come back. We got to make a run for ourselves.
“And then he started guarding me, and I’m like, ‘KD, come on, KD. You ain’t no defensive player.’ But he took the challenge and guarded me, man. And I was happy because I love to take the challenge and guard somebody’s best player.”
"That's my GOAT… I'm starting to see like, 'Okay, yeah Kevin Durant is real…' then he start guarding me. I'm like, 'KD, come on, KD. Like you ain't no defensive player.'"
Anthony Edwards on facing KD in the playoffs last year 😅
(via @uninterrupted)pic.twitter.com/EehWI4eqRH
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 2, 2025
In an interview reflecting on that first-round series, Edwards admitted that Durant’s shot-making in Game 1 had him in awe. He recalled how Durant started the game on fire, hitting a combination of deep three-pointers, mid-range pull-ups, and smooth layups.
Watching KD operate at that level had Edwards briefly forgetting he was in a playoff battle, as he found himself mesmerized by Durant’s greatness.
Despite Durant’s hot start, the Minnesota Timberwolves defense completely took over the series. With their elite perimeter defenders and ability to rotate fresh bodies on Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the Wolves forced Phoenix into constant tough shots and disrupted their rhythm.
While Durant still posted 26.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on an impressive 55.2% shooting from the field and 41.7% from three, the Suns had no answers for the Wolves’ defense and offensive firepower.
The real turning point for Edwards came when Durant decided to guard him. Instead of feeling pressure, Ant took it personally.
While Durant had the length and experience, Edwards was simply too much. He torched KD and the Suns’ defense, finishing the series averaging 31.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists on 51% shooting from the field and 43.8% from three.
His athleticism, power, and shot-making overwhelmed Phoenix, and he made sure to let Durant hear about it.
While Games 2 and 4 were competitive, the Wolves blew the Suns out in Games 1 and 3, asserting their dominance. Minnesota’s defensive pressure had Phoenix rattled, and the trio of Durant, Booker, and Beal struggled to generate consistent offense.
Meanwhile, Edwards talked his trash to Durant, embracing the moment and relishing his chance to go at his childhood idol.
At the end of the day, Durant had earned Edwards’ respect long before the series. But once the games started, Edwards showed Durant that his time had come—he wasn’t just a fan anymore. He was a superstar in his own right, and he wasn’t backing down from anyone, not even his GOAT.
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