Less than a day after the news of Karl-Anthony Towns’ tearing his meniscus, Anthony Edwards decided to reassure Timberwolves fans he could carry the franchise for the next month. He did so by sealing a 113-111 win against the Indiana Pacers, pulling off an insane game-winning block on Aaron Nesmith where he hit his head on the rim. Edwards opened up on the play after the win.
“I hit my head on the rim, it’s hurting real bad and I landed on my wrist. I saw him in the lane, I knew he was going for the layup and I was just like, ‘I’m finna go get this’. I never jumped that high in my life.”
Anthony Edwards says that play at the buzzer is the highest he’s jumped in his life pic.twitter.com/XzNHAYqMZq
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) March 8, 2024
The block was a LeBron James-esque transition chase-down block, as Edwards tracked Nesmith making the run and perfectly timed his jump to meet him above the rim.
WHAT A BLOCK 😱
ANT EDWARDS SKIES FOR THE REJECTION TO WIN THE GAME ‼️ pic.twitter.com/W0lqPOkTzT
— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2024
Anthony Edwards had hurt his ankle on the first possession of the game but stayed in and led the Wolves to a much-needed win. He had 44 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks in an all-around performance. Many could argue that this was his best game of the season.
With KAT not being on the court and the Wolves relying on his offensive contributions, this may lead to a boom for Edwards. His usage is bound to increase and he’ll be the undisputed No. 1 option of the team. If he can swim instead of sink through this stretch, he’ll truly establish himself as one of the brightest stars in the league right now.
Anthony Edwards Will Shine In Karl-Anthony Towns’ Absence
Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 22.1 points and 8.4 rebounds this season, playing like the premier offensive big that he’s known to be. He has had many injury-riddled seasons but this year looked like it may be the one where he can stay healthy.
This late-season injury is devastating, with the center confirmed to have undergone surgery. He will be re-evaluated in a month, as the team hopes he returns in time for the first round of the playoffs.
ESPN Sources: Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns will undergo surgery to repair a torn left meniscus and will be reevaluated in a month. It’s expected Towns will return by early in the Western Conference playoffs. pic.twitter.com/SkbKl7OAdu
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 8, 2024
This will be a make-or-break stretch for Edwards as an individual player and leader. While maintaining the No. 1 seed without KAT will be a tremendous challenge, this stretch will help fans decide if Edwards is an overhyped former No. 1 overall pick or the next American superstar in the NBA.
Edwards is averaging 26.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists this season, doing a great job of sharing offensive responsibilities with KAT and Mike Conley. With KAT away for injury, Edwards might have to start putting in the kind of performances we’re seeing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put up for the OKC Thunder. If he becomes a regular 30-point scorer for this stretch with his strong defense, the sky is the limit for him.
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