Anthony Edwards comes good on Michael Jordan comparisons as NBA world lauds scintillating 33-point outing

Anthony Edwards unleashed an absolute masterclass against Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns on Saturday. The Minnesota Timberwolves star took the game away from the Suns within the first three quarters, tending the third quarter with a 20-point lead.

The Suns had defeated the Timberwolves on all three regular-season matchups. However, it seemed like Edwards entered the game with a vengeance.

Anthony Edwards exploded for 33 points as the Timberwolves limited the Suns to 100 points. The NBA world was in awe of the young superstar’s stellar performance.

Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins compared Edwards’ performance to Michael Jordan in 1989. Perkins wrote,

“1989 Jordan is what we’re witnessing right now!!!”

In 1989, Jordan had one of the most dominant performances of his career in the first round of the playoffs as he made “The Shot” against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Nick Young, the former Golden State Warriors player, wrote on Twitter that with the kind of performance that Anthony Edwards has shown, he might leave MJ behind in the GOAT debate.

“A.E. Antman when it all said and done might move mj to 3 spot.” Young wrote.

NBA analyst and the co-host of First Take on ESPN, Stephen A. Smith has been one of the biggest fans of Edwards. He was often compared to Edwards’ game a mixture of Jordan, Kobe and Dwyane Wade.

Giving high props to the Timberwolves young star, Smith wrote,

“An absolute show. This brother Anthony Edwards has exploded. Putting on a show…..and boogying on (Kevin Durant) no less. This is (Kevin Durant) we’re talking about, so it’s just a moment. But Good Lord, it’s a moment no less. A special one.#Lord!!!”

NBA legend Kevin Garnett also had high praise for Edwards. After the game, Garnett wrote on Twitter,

“MVP activity goin on in Sota #AntMan.” Garnett wrote.

Garnett like many others has always hailed the grit and passion with which Edwards plays on the court. The former league MVP has also declared the young star as a potential face of the league in the future.

Former Washington Wizards player Gilbert Arenas also compared Edwards’ performance to Michael Jordan.

“ANT EDWARDS PLAYOFF 30 BALL…ZONE 6 JORDAN.” Arenas wrote.

Anthony Edwards outscores Kevin Durant in their first playoff meeting

Anthony Edwards' masterful performance overshadowed Kevin Durant’s 31-point effort. Edwards scored 33 points in the Timberwolves' playoff Game 1, making it their first win against the Suns this season.

Edwards scored 33 points on just 14 of 24 shots from the field and four of eight shots from beyond the arc. Edwards was also impactful on the defensive end of the floor. He grabbed nine rebounds and also registered two steals in the game.

Durant scored a team-high 31 points, shooting 11 of 17 shots from the field and 2 of 2 shots from beyond the arc. Durant’s co-star Devin Booker scored 18 points, shooting five of 16 shots from the floor.

The Timberwolves will host the Suns again for Game 2 on Tuesday, April 23.