Many predicted the Los Angeles Lakers would easily defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs' opening round. Some did not discount the Timberwolves winning at the Crypto.com Arena, though.
The Timberwolves, led by top player Anthony Edwards, defeated the Lakers at home on Saturday, proving the other bunch of fans correct.
Not only that, ANT, known for his outspoken nature on and off the court against the Lakers and their fans; did not hold back. Edwards gaslighted the situation after the game.
During the post-match press conference, the Timberwolves' star was questioned about the atmosphere in the Crypto.com Arena. In his response, Edwards appeared to take slight jabs at the Lakers fanbase.
I wasn't out there for the half-court shot, but I mean [an] atmosphere like this, it's easy for me, man, I've played in Denver, man. Denver is [a] tough place to play in on the road. So, I mean it was nothing.
Anthony Edwards told the reportersAnthony Edwards after the win on the road vs the Lakers: 'Atmosphere like this, it's easy for me man. I've played in Denver man, Denver is a tough place to play in on the road. So, I mean, it was nothing.'byu/sewsgup innba
Anthony Edwards has never held back when expressing his views, and this time was no exception. What makes him great is his confidence, which he directed specifically at his Los Angeles fan base. Edwards wasn't deterred by the Lakers' home-court advantage, which is regarded as one of the best in the league. From the second quarter on, the Timberwolves dominated the Lakers, winning Game 1 handily.
This was a complete dismantling, not just a victory. The Wolves never gave the Lakers a chance to get ahead and shot 50% from beyond the arc (21-for-42). By the third quarter, the game felt unattainable because Minnesota scored a timely three-pointer or made a defensive stop every time LA attempted to reduce the distance.
Now going into Game 2 of this ongoing series, Anthony Edwards and Co. have the upper hand on the Lakers' side. The Lakers, who possess stars like LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves, will be looking to bounce back on home court in some fashion.
Anthony Edwards is in contention to win the iconic NBA award
For x number of times this 2024-25 NBA season, Anthony Edwards has delivered for his side when it mattered. He did the same on Saturday, against the Los Angeles Lakers. Ant has been 'clutch' for his side all season, and his performances haven't gone unnoticed. At the behest of this, the NBA revealed the finalists for every single award on Sunday.
Along with Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, Edwards was named a finalist for the Kia NBA Clutch Player of the Year award. Last season, Stephen Curry received the Clutch Player of the Year (Jerry West Trophy) Award, which was first given out in 2023 to De'Aaron Fox. The Timberwolves had more 'clutch' games than every other team this year, which gave their emerging star plenty of opportunities.