I'VE SEEN ENOUGH 🗣️ Stephen A. picks Timberwolves over the Nuggets 😱 | NBA Countdown

ESPN

5 May 202405:49

Summary

TLDRAnthony Edwards is making waves in the NBA, redefining expectations for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He has achieved back-to-back 40-point games in the playoffs at the young age of 22, a feat only previously accomplished by Kobe Bryant. His performance has led the Timberwolves to their first playoff series lead since 2022. Edwards is averaging an impressive 33.5 points per game against Denver this season and has been particularly dominant in the fourth quarter of the postseason, leading the league with 10.8 points, shooting 69% from the field and 57% from the three-point range without missing a free throw. His athleticism and defensive prowess have earned him recognition as one of the best two-way guards in the league. Stephen A. Smith and other analysts are now acknowledging Edwards' impact, with some even predicting a potential NBA finals appearance for the Timberwolves. Edwards' emergence is reinvigorating fans' passion for the game and challenging the notion that European players are taking over basketball, proving that American talent is still very much a force to be reckoned with.

Takeaways

🏀 Anthony Edwards has redefined expectations for the Timberwolves with his outstanding performance.
📈 He scored 43 points, joining Kobe Bryant as one of the few to have back-to-back 40-point games in the playoffs at age 22 or younger.
🎯 The Timberwolves' victory over the Nuggets marked their first time trailing in a playoff series since 2022.
🏆 The team is compared to being built by the same general manager, Tim Connelly, to compete with the Denver Nuggets.
🚀 Stephen A. Smith and others are now recognizing Edwards' potential, with Smith having him in his top five MVP since January.
🌟 Edwards' emergence is seen as different from other terrific players in the league.
📊 In the 2022 postseason, Edwards leads the league in fourth-quarter points with an impressive shooting percentage.
💥 He is praised as the best two-way guard in the NBA, showcasing athleticism on both offense and defense.
🗣️ Edwards is noted for his charismatic leadership, balancing discipline with playfulness, even in public settings.
🔥 The Minnesota Timberwolves are seen as a formidable team, with Edwards leading a group described as 'a bunch of dogs, some nasty wolves'.
🌍 His performance has reignited interest in the NBA among older fans, as he represents a powerful and competitive spirit in the game.

Q & A

What significant achievement has Anthony Edwards accomplished in the playoffs?
-Anthony Edwards has scored back-to-back 40-point games in the playoffs at the age of 22 or younger, a feat only he and Kobe Bryant have achieved.
How has Anthony Edwards performed against the Denver Nuggets this season?
-He has been averaging 33.5 points per game against the Denver Nuggets during the regular season and 33.4 points in the current postseason.
What is notable about Anthony Edwards' fourth quarter performance in the postseason?
-In the fourth quarter of the postseason, Anthony Edwards leads the league in points with 10.8, shooting 69% from the field, 57% from the three-point range, and has not missed a free throw in 14 attempts.
Who is considered the best two-way guard in the NBA according to the transcript?
-Anthony Edwards is considered the best two-way guard in the NBA, showcasing his athleticism on both offense and defense.
What is special about Anthony Edwards' leadership style as mentioned in the transcript?
-Anthony Edwards' leadership style is characterized by a controlled rage and a charismatic demeanor. He can be playful yet authoritative, as demonstrated when he publicly chastised Karl-Anthony Towns but did so in a light-hearted manner.
How does the transcript describe the Minnesota Timberwolves' current situation in their playoff series?
-The Minnesota Timberwolves are trailing in a playoff series for the first time since the first round against the Warriors in 2022, after beating the Denver Nuggets.
What is the significance of the Timberwolves being built by the same general manager as the Denver Nuggets?
-The significance is that the Timberwolves were intentionally constructed to be competitive against strong teams like the Denver Nuggets, indicating a strategic build-up to challenge in the league.
What does Stephen A. Smith say about his readiness to take Minnesota in the series?
-Stephen A. Smith states that he is ready to take Minnesota in the series, expressing confidence in Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves' ability to win.
How does the transcript characterize the Minnesota Timberwolves' performance in the season?
-The Minnesota Timberwolves are characterized as a group of determined and fierce players, referred to as 'a bunch of dogs, some nasty wolves,' led by Anthony Edwards.
What does the transcript suggest about the future of the Minnesota Timberwolves?
-The transcript suggests a bright future for the Minnesota Timberwolves, with the assertion that they are going to the NBA finals as long as they remain healthy.
What impact does Anthony Edwards have on the game according to the transcript?
-Anthony Edwards is described as a force in the game, a competitor, and a leader who has reinvigorated fans and brought life back to the NBA, particularly for those who had lost interest.
How does the transcript comment on the trend of European players in the NBA?
-The transcript acknowledges the trend of European players seeming to take over the game but emphasizes that players like Anthony Edwards are stepping up to show that the NBA's traditional powerhouses are still very much present and competitive.

Outlines

00:00

🏀 Anthony Edwards' Phenomenal Performance

Anthony Edwards is making a significant impact on the Timberwolves' game, redefining expectations and earning recognition from commentators like Stephen A. and Perk. He scored 43 points, joining Kobe Bryant as one of the few to have back-to-back 40-point games in the playoffs at such a young age. This performance led to the Timberwolves taking a lead in the playoff series against the Nuggets for the first time since 2022. The script discusses Edwards' potential MVP status, his emergence as a great young player, and his extraordinary stats, including leading the league in fourth-quarter points with an impressive shooting percentage. His athleticism, defensive skills, and leadership qualities are highlighted, with a comparison to iconic players like MJ and Kobe. The commentary also appreciates the Timberwolves' collective effort and Edwards' role as a leader on the team.

05:02

🌟 The Rise of American Talent in the NBA

The script emphasizes the resurgence of American talent in the NBA, with Anthony Edwards as a prime example. It contrasts the recent perception that European players were dominating the sport. Edwards' performance in game one, where the Nuggets struggled when their starters were on the floor, is highlighted. The commentary suggests that Edwards' leadership and competitive spirit are reinvigorating the game for fans and re-establishing the presence of American players on the global stage. The music in the background underscores the excitement and significance of this development in the NBA.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards is a professional basketball player for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA. He is highlighted in the transcript for his exceptional performance, scoring 43 points in a game and being compared to legendary players like Kobe Bryant. His recent achievements have redefined expectations for the Timberwolves and have made him a standout player in the league.

💡Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves are a professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They are part of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the NBA. The transcript discusses the team's recent success, particularly in a playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, where they are noted to be trailing for the first time since 2022.

💡Stephen A

Stephen A is likely referring to Stephen A. Smith, a sports analyst and commentator known for his work on ESPN. In the transcript, Stephen A. is mentioned in the context of agreeing with others about Edwards' impressive performance and discussing the Timberwolves' playoff prospects.

💡Playoffs

The playoffs in basketball refer to the postseason tournament that follows the regular season, where teams compete for the championship. The transcript discusses back-to-back 40-point games in the playoffs by Edwards, emphasizing the high stakes and competitive nature of these games.

💡Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant was a legendary NBA player who had a significant impact on the sport. The transcript mentions that only Kobe Bryant and Anthony Edwards have had back-to-back 40-point games in the playoffs at such a young age, drawing a parallel between the two players' achievements.

💡Tim Connelly

Tim Connelly is a basketball executive who has served as the general manager for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets. The transcript notes that the Timberwolves are built by Connelly, setting up a competitive dynamic with the Denver Nuggets.

💡

💡Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado, and are part of the Northwest Division of the NBA's Western Conference. The transcript discusses the Timberwolves' victory over the Nuggets in the playoffs, marking a significant achievement for the Timberwolves.

💡MVP

MVP stands for 'Most Valuable Player', an annual award given to the best performing player in the NBA. The transcript mentions that Anthony Edwards was included in the top five MVP candidates by some analysts, indicating his strong performance and impact on his team's success.

💡Two-way guard

A two-way guard in basketball is a player who excels both offensively and defensively. The transcript highlights Anthony Edwards as the best two-way guard in the NBA, noting his scoring averages and defensive contributions, such as blocking shots.

💡Leadership

Leadership in the context of sports refers to a player's ability to guide and inspire their team, often through their actions on the court. The transcript describes Edwards as a charismatic leader, able to chastise and motivate his teammates in a balanced and effective manner.

💡NBA Finals

The NBA Finals is the championship series of the NBA, where the winners of the Eastern and Western Conferences compete. The transcript predicts that the Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, are on track to reach the NBA Finals, indicating high expectations for the team's performance.

Highlights

Anthony Edwards redefines expectations for the Timberwolves with his impressive performance.

He scores 43 points, placing him alongside Kobe Bryant with back-to-back 40-point games in the playoffs at age 22 or younger.

The Timberwolves beat the Nuggets, marking the first time they've trailed in a playoff series since 2022 against the Warriors.

Tim Connelly, the same general manager who built the Timberwolves, is compared to the Denver Nuggets.

Stephen A. Smith initially wasn't convinced about Edwards' impact but has now changed his stance.

Anthony Edwards is recognized as a top-five MVP candidate by some, despite initial skepticism from others.

Edwards is praised for his emergence as a great young player, setting him apart from others in the league.

He is averaging 33.5 points against Denver this season and 33.4 in the current postseason.

In the fourth quarter of the postseason, Edwards leads the league with 10.8 points, shooting 69% from the field and 57% from the three-point range.

Edwards is noted for his athleticism, not just in scoring but also in defensive plays like blocking shots.

He is considered the best two-way guard in the NBA, showcasing both offensive and defensive prowess.

Edwards' leadership is highlighted, including his ability to balance discipline with a playful demeanor.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are seen as a formidable team, with Edwards leading a group of 'nasty wolves'.

Stephen A. Smith confidently predicts the Timberwolves will advance to the NBA finals if healthy.

The team's performance is not a fluke; they have been consistent all season long.

Jaden McDaniels, Anthony Edwards, and Mike Conley are recognized for their contributions to the team's success.

Anthony Edwards is thanked for reinvigorating fans and retired players' passion for the NBA with his competitive spirit and leadership.

Edwards' impact is seen as a counter to the notion that European players are taking over basketball, asserting the presence of American talent.