David Levine -> RE: Timberwolves 2024/2025 Season (4/22/2025 5:36:06 PM)
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When Anthony Edwards took the court in Game 1 for his 28th career Playoff game, he was joined by two other members of an exclusive club – Luka Dončić and LeBron James. That trio, along with Michael Jordan, Tracy McGrady and Oscar Robertson, are the only players in NBA history to average 27+ pts, 6+ reb and 5+ ast through their first 27 Playoff games His ability to impact all aspects of the game was on display for Edwards in Game 1 and will be key again in tonight’s Game 2 (10 ET, TNT) as the Wolves seek a 2-0 lead on the road It’s all part of Edwards’ evolution as an all-around player. Already a force attacking the basket, Edwards turned himself into an elite 3-point shooter this season, leading the NBA with 320 3s on a career-best 39.5%. But Game 1 wasn’t just about buckets. Ant won it with his playmaking as he matched his Playoff career-high with nine dimes and only one turnover to lead the Wolves past the Lakers How Important Is Ant’s Playmaking? This season, the Wolves went 26-12 when he had 5+ ast, 18-7 with 6+ ast, 12-3 with 7+ ast and a perfect 6-0 with 8+ ast. That improved to 7-0 on Monday. “The best version of Ant,” Coach Chris Finch said, “is when he’s flirting with a triple double.” Minnesota shot 21-of-42 from 3 in Game 1. A key reason why? They generated 27 wide-open 3s (closest defender 6+ feet away) and sank 19 of them (70.4%) Jaden McDaniels (25 pts, 11-13 FG, 3-3 3P in Game 1) was the recipient of four assists from Edwards as he showed up big as a major swing factor for the Timberwolves. Minnesota is now 5-0 this season when McDaniels scored 25+ pts “He had ultra-confidence,” Edwards said after the game. “As long as he trusts himself, we all trust him.” https://www.nba.com/news/starting-5-april-22-2025
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