I'VE SEEN ENOUGH ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Stephen A. picks Timberwolves over the Nuggets ๐Ÿ˜ฑ | 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

  • ๐Ÿ€ Anthony Edwards has redefined expectations for the Timberwolves with his outstanding performance.
  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ 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.
  • ๐ŸŽฏ The Timberwolves' victory over the Nuggets marked their first time trailing in a playoff series since 2022.
  • ๐Ÿ† The team is compared to being built by the same general manager, Tim Connelly, to compete with the Denver Nuggets.
  • ๐Ÿš€ Stephen A. Smith and others are now recognizing Edwards' potential, with Smith having him in his top five MVP since January.
  • ๐ŸŒŸ Edwards' emergence is seen as different from other terrific players in the league.
  • ๐Ÿ“Š In the 2022 postseason, Edwards leads the league in fourth-quarter points with an impressive shooting percentage.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฅ He is praised as the best two-way guard in the NBA, showcasing athleticism on both offense and defense.
  • ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Edwards is noted for his charismatic leadership, balancing discipline with playfulness, even in public settings.
  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ The Minnesota Timberwolves are seen as a formidable team, with Edwards leading a group described as 'a bunch of dogs, some nasty wolves'.
  • ๐ŸŒ 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

๐Ÿ€ 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

๐ŸŒŸ 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

๐Ÿ’กAnthony 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.

๐Ÿ’กMinnesota 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.

๐Ÿ’กStephen 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.

๐Ÿ’กPlayoffs

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.

๐Ÿ’กKobe 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.

๐Ÿ’กTim 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.

๐Ÿ’ก

๐Ÿ’กDenver 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.

๐Ÿ’กMVP

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.

๐Ÿ’กTwo-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.

๐Ÿ’กLeadership

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.

๐Ÿ’กNBA 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.

Transcripts

00:00

Anthony Edwards oh my goodness

00:02

redefining expectations for the

00:04

Timberwolves but he has Stephen A and

00:06

perk agreeing that might be even more

00:09

Lord have mercy find out why next well

00:13

let's take a look now at our money

00:15

moment brought to you by chime and it is

00:17

the best show in basketball Anthony

00:19

Edwards if he wasn't here before he has

00:21

arrived now he dropped 43 points only

00:24

him and Kobe Bryant have had

00:25

back-to-back 40-point games in the

00:27

playoffs at age 22 or younger and by the

00:30

way beating the Nuggets no small feed

00:33

it's the first time they're trailing in

00:34

a playoff series since the first round

00:36

against the Warriors in 2022 and as you

00:38

can see here the history it does not

00:40

stop with Kobe for Anthony Edwards we've

00:43

talked about the Timberwolves right as

00:45

being built literally by the same

00:47

general manager Tim Connelly uh to go

00:49

toe to- Toe with the Denver Nuggets but

00:52

but wilbon Stephen A even on Friday when

00:55

we were all doing our our Sports Center

00:57

segment you weren't ready to take min

01:00

are you ready

01:02

now I don't know this is one of those

01:04

where I'm not going to be cocky and sit

01:05

here and say I've got answers I you know

01:08

I just want to enjoy watching the

01:10

emergence of a great young player um

01:13

there are a lot of terrific players in

01:14

the league but Anthony Edwards emergence

01:17

seems different I don't know if I'm

01:19

ready to take Minnesota I I know this I

01:22

didn't need convincing about Anthony

01:24

Edwards when most other people including

01:27

everybody at this network did not have

01:29

Anthony Edwards in their top five MVP

01:33

and I had him there since January but

01:34

you're not ready to take him in the

01:35

series you're having you're not ready

01:38

the Champs Malika the Champs hell yeah

01:41

I'm ready that's an answer I'm ready I

01:43

mean I'm not I'm not the astute will

01:45

bond The Godfather but I'm ready I got

01:48

Anthony Edwards in the Minnesota timber

01:50

wols winning this series I mean I've

01:51

seen enough this brother is some he is

01:54

so Sensational it's hard to put in the

01:56

words I said it before wil over social

01:58

media last week MJ

02:00

Kobe Anthony Edwards it's not just about

02:04

the Billy the 36.3 five that he's a 33.5

02:07

that he's averaging against Denver this

02:09

season the 33.4 he's averaging in this

02:12

postseason right now in this postseason

02:14

willon let me tell you this right now

02:16

fourth quarter in the postseason he

02:18

leads the he leads the entire league in

02:20

points at 10.8 69% shooting from the

02:24

field 57% shooting from three-point

02:26

range and hasn't missed a field a free

02:28

throw in 14 attempts this is in the

02:30

fourth quarter this is what he's doing

02:32

at the age of

02:34

22 okay we know the athleticism but

02:36

guess what we also see we don't just see

02:38

the athleticism when he driving to the

02:39

basket when he's dunking the ball we see

02:41

the athleticism when he blocking shots

02:42

on the defensive side of the ball he is

02:44

the best two-way guard in the NBA

02:47

there's something right now there's

02:48

something much greater than that right

02:49

now go ahead he's the follow me damn it

02:53

player on that team okay and they're

02:56

going to follow I was looking for those

02:57

words you got it and that's the that's

02:59

what reminds a lot us more of the two

03:02

guys the two gentlemen you mentioned

03:04

earlier the fire the controlled Rage

03:08

with which he plays his demeanor at all

03:10

times how about the other night at the

03:11

press conference when he's sitting there

03:13

with Carl Anthony towns and he's talking

03:16

about not fouling and he can sit there

03:18

in the moment a public moment and

03:21

chastise Carl Anthony towns but be

03:22

playful about it be a complete and utter

03:25

charismatic leader and the Minnesota

03:28

Timberwolves have to look at almost as

03:30

opponents do and be in awe a of Anthony

03:34

and let me say this they are I I I know

03:37

I know a few of those folks in Minnesota

03:39

they are in awe this brother is the

03:42

truth in a half he is the real deal

03:44

follow me God I'm glad I'm glad we got

03:47

you there after the early weeks of

03:50

telling me about other people about I

03:51

had other people I got him as the top

03:52

three MVP candidate he just wasn't talk

03:54

you

03:56

perk I'm going tell you this the

03:58

Minnesota Temple are going to the NBA

04:01

finals I know that much as long as

04:04

they're healthy that wasn't a fluke what

04:06

we saw last night this is who they've

04:08

been all season long a bunch of dogs

04:12

some nasty wolves led by Anthony Edwards

04:16

who is a killer when it comes down to

04:20

ready to ready for the moment but when I

04:22

think about the Personnel right and you

04:25

think about yis last night shooting 11

04:27

for 25 it's not going to get any easier

04:30

for Jamal Murray because you know why

04:33

they have Jaden McDaniels you have

04:35

Anthony Edwards you have Mike Conley did

04:38

you see Mike Conley hitting those timely

04:40

three-point shots do you see car Anthony

04:43

towns playing with a different passion

04:45

and Cann I take a moment can I take a

04:47

moment to tell Anthony Edwards I don't

04:49

know if he's watching I hope he is but I

04:51

want to say thank you I want to say

04:54

thank you all the OG's and the oldheads

04:56

that have retired and went went away

04:59

from the game of basketball guess what

05:02

we ready to renew our vows back with the

05:04

NBA because he has given us life again

05:07

with that with that type of being that

05:09

type of competitor being that type of

05:12

leader playing with Force we're in the

05:15

era right now ex we're in the era right

05:17

now where the Europeans were looking

05:19

like they were taking over the game of

05:21

basketball and Anthony El have stepped

05:23

up to the pl and said hold up one second

05:26

we're still here

05:31

Anthony Edwards I mean the Nuggets were

05:33

minus 24 when the starter chaired the

05:35

floor in in that game one that doesn't

05:36

happen very often

05:41

[Music]