Anthony Edwards is gaining attention once again as he appears to be on the brink of another breakout. During a recent Team USA exhibition game against Spain, Edwards demonstrated his potential as a clutch player, despite not scoring. In a subsequent exhibition match against Germany, he embraced the role of Team USA’s closer, contributing significantly to a thrilling victory.
The scenario was set with under four minutes left in the third quarter, as Team USA was trailing Germany by 16 points—a formidable challenge. A lineup of substitutes and Mikal Bridges managed to narrow the gap to four points by the end of the third quarter. This paved the way for Edwards to shine.
Edwards reentered the game at the start of the fourth quarter, where Germany initially maintained a slight lead. A 3-pointer from Austin Reaves cut the deficit to six points, setting the stage for Edwards. He sank a contested 3-pointer after a Germany turnover, reducing the deficit to half.
In the following possession, a block by Jaren Jackson Jr. led to a transition opportunity, and Edwards confidently pulled up for a triple, tying the game. The score remained level for over two minutes until a 3-pointer from Bridges propelled Team USA ahead once more in the second half.
Edwards continued to make an impact, drawing a foul and converting both free throws. On the next offensive possession, he executed a cold turnaround jumper, reminiscent of Michael Jordan. Team USA, which had trailed by as much as 16 points in the third quarter, now held a seven-point lead with under a minute remaining, with Edwards playing a significant role.
Statistically, Edwards accumulated 12 of his game-high 34 points in the final quarter. Notably, 10 of these points were part of the 22-5 run that allowed Team USA to secure an eight-point victory—a testament to Edwards’ pivotal performance. Team USA’s head coach, Steve Kerr, emphasized that Edwards is undoubtedly the key player.
The 22-year-old Edwards is poised for a remarkable World Cup showing, building on his first All-Star selection in 2023 to potentially achieve another breakout season with the Timberwolves. This outstanding performance did not go unnoticed by the NBA community, particularly on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). NBA luminaries, including Kevin Garnett, praised Edwards’ skill, with some suggesting he may join the ranks of the league’s top players.
The general consensus among these messages is that Minnesota’s former No. 1 overall pick is on the verge of becoming a superstar and a potential MVP candidate in the upcoming NBA season. Edwards’ compelling performance against Germany has solidified this sentiment.
