SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — One thunderous dunk offered an ideal snapshot of Anthony Edwards’ second-half dominance Monday evening.
Edwards threw down a monster slam over John Collins of the Utah Jazz within the third quarter, serving to the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 114-104 victory however leaving each gamers banged up after the play.
“I used to be considering I used to be going to overlook it as a result of I wasn’t near the rim, however one way or the other God willed it in for me,” stated Edwards, who scored 25 of his 32 factors after halftime.
The play instantly went viral on social media. Timberwolves veteran level guard Mike Conley stated it may need been the very best dunk he’s ever witnessed in particular person.
“He’s like a cat nearly,” Conley stated. “He simply retains going ahead and lands on his ft. Stuff like that’s what makes him who he’s and why he can maneuver within the recreation how he does.”
Edwards stated he grew up idolizing gamers like Vince Carter who have been identified for his or her dunking skill. Dunking the best way they did has at all times been a objective for Edwards.
His slam on Monday evening actually put him in that class.
“It offers me chills , man, as a result of I at all times dreamed of dunking on any person like that,” Edwards stated.
Collins and Edwards have been each injured on the play. Edwards dislocated his left ring finger after his hand collided with Collins’ cheekbone. He raced again to the locker room throughout a subsequent timeout, popped the finger again in place, acquired it taped up and returned to motion.
Collins was dominated out for your complete fourth quarter whereas being evaluated for a potential concussion. His damage was later confirmed to be a head contusion.
Edwards’ dunk gave a short-handed Minnesota crew an emotional enhance throughout a essential stretch. The Timberwolves misplaced Naz Reid to a first-half head damage and have been already taking part in with out injured starters Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Cities.
“It offers everyone power,” Edwards stated. “It makes everyone need to defend, need to get stops. It makes the sport extra thrilling.”
Edwards additionally totaled eight assists, seven rebounds and two blocks over 38 minutes. His relentless power on each ends of the court docket put the Jazz on their heels all through the second half.
“That’s who he’s,” Utah coach Will Hardy stated. “He’s an All-Star. He’s a hell of a participant.”
Edwards has had three consecutive 30-point video games. He’s averaged 31.5 factors in back-to-back wins over Utah on 58% capturing from the sphere.
“He’s at all times been a man who can actually flip a recreation round,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch stated. “Is aware of when to boost it. Is aware of when to make the large play. Can typically make it out of nothing. However now he’s like far more polished with what he’s doing. He’s slightly extra composed, not speeding it as a lot.”
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