Minnesota Timberwolves' star Anthony Edwards is set to face the ultimate test as he aims to transition from young sensation to established superstar in the team's upcoming playoff series against the Denver Nuggets.
The fourth-year prodigy has already played a key role in helping his Timberwolves sweep past the Phoenix Suns formidable trio of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Now, he has the chance to topple reigning MVP Nikola Jokic and the defending NBA champions.
Durant was full of praise for Edwards - who has openly spoken about his admiration for his idol Durant - after Minnesota's Game 4 victory, saying: "So impressed with Ant. My favourite player to watch. Just grown so much since he came into the league.
"At 22, just his love for the game shines bright. That's one of the reasons why I like him the most. He just loves basketball. He's grateful to be in this position. He's grateful to take advantage of every opportunity he's gotten. Love everything about Ant. Everything."
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As the No. 1 overall pick for the struggling Timberwolves franchise in the 2020 NBA Draftt, Edwards has exploded into top form, averaging just under 20 points, five rebounds and three assists per game.
Edwards has managed to increase his efficiency while also boosting his scoring output, averaging over 25 points per game on a 52 percent effective field goal percentage, all while creating new opportunities in Minneapolis.
Edwards and his Timberwolves managed a cracking season with 56 wins in the 2023-24 league, the team's top run since 2004. They fought tooth and nail for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference - staggeringly the Timberwolves had only claimed the top spot in the conference for 10 days in their entire 34-year history prior to this season.
However, it was a hairbreadth finish at the top of the conference as they lost narrowly to Oklahoma City Thunder for top seed and the Nuggets claimed second spot. A significant turning point that Edwards acknowledged with gravity, stating: "I think everyone know what is at stake, I don't even need to talk about how big it is, everybody knows."
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While playoff pressure broke many, it didn't shift Edwards and the skyrocketing Timberwolves. Edwards displayed a knack for critical moments rivalling basketball legend Michael Jordan, earning him plaudits from sports pundit Stephen A. Smith.
He also exhibited his fiery side with heated trash talk during games against Durant and the Phoenix Suns. While also showing a humility at how much he is looking forward to playing alongside Durant for Team USA at the Olympics.
"I got the utmost respect for KD," Edwards confessed. "He comes in and competes every night. I've watched every one of his games since I've been 5. I love that guy," said Edwards.
"I'm excited to play with him this summer, talk a little trash and let him know I sent him home."
"Get that out of here," Edwards was heard exclaiming after their victorious game. "Yea! That's how you play boys. Get them [the Suns] out of here. Talking all that s***. Get them out of here, man."
The Timberwolves will face blockbuster series against Denver, starting on Saturday night. Despite boasting the third-highest number of away wins in the NBA this season, the Timberwolves will have to adapt to playing 5,280 feet above sea level.