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Wolves' Anthony Edwards Electrifies NBA Fans in Game 1 Win vs. Nikola Jokić, Nuggets

Andrew PetersMay 5, 2024

DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 04: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles against Aaron Gordon #50 and Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter in Game One of the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 04, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

The Minnesota Timberwolves are up on the defending champs in the Western Conference Semifinals after a 106-99 win over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.

Star guard Anthony Edwards continued his outstanding play in this year's playoffs with a huge 43-point night, showing that he's not going to back down against Nikola Jokić and the No. 2-seeded Nuggets.

But it wasn't all Edwards in this one. He also got some help from Karl-Anthony Towns, who had 20, and Naz Reid, who notched 16 points off the bench.

Reid, who just won his first Sixth Man of the Year award, was tremendous in the fourth quarter with 14 points. During one point in the final quarter, he went on a solo 10-point scoring run.

After the game, fans praised Edwards and Minnesota for handling business in Game 1 of what is sure to be a tough series:

NBA @NBA

HANDLE. PACKAGE. <a href="https://t.co/BRCpL0SE5f">https://t.co/BRCpL0SE5f</a> <a href="https://t.co/veC2gOuMuh">pic.twitter.com/veC2gOuMuh</a>

Paul Pierce @paulpierce34

I'm not sure what's developing with this kid Anthony Edwards I just know Im liking it

Mina Kimes @minakimes

Never really understood the thing where some NBA fans just root for players but damn…Anthony Edwards is converting me into one of them

NBA University @NBA_University

Watching Anthony Edwards play basketball <a href="https://t.co/iXBZEfxYnm">pic.twitter.com/iXBZEfxYnm</a>

StatMuse @statmuse

35-point playoff games by a Timberwolves player:<br><br>6 — Anthony Edwards <br>4 — Everyone else combined <br><br>He's 22 years old. <a href="https://t.co/hQYEASLAzX">pic.twitter.com/hQYEASLAzX</a>

Emo Jimmy @WheelerJaylen

All these playoffs have taught me so far is Anthony Edwards will be the face of the league in a few years <a href="https://t.co/HTQXIPd8F9">pic.twitter.com/HTQXIPd8F9</a>

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA

I repeat: Anthony Edwards is THAT DUDE! <a href="https://t.co/LIf8RnQwjU">https://t.co/LIf8RnQwjU</a>

SB24 @SkolBros

Anthony Edwards <a href="https://t.co/XOUgHc32TX">pic.twitter.com/XOUgHc32TX</a>

The Brohioan @TheBrohioan

Anthony Edwards is going to be a household name after these playoffs. <a href="https://t.co/1hP7slQSX0">pic.twitter.com/1hP7slQSX0</a>

Bryan Fischer @BryanDFischer

Ant has fully arrived this postseason.

FanDuel Sportsbook @FDSportsbook

"Nobody can beat Jokic and the Nuggets." <br><br>Anthony Edwards: <a href="https://t.co/HKIOXHVtG8">pic.twitter.com/HKIOXHVtG8</a>

Malika Andrews @malika_andrews

Anthony Edwards has joined Kobe Bryant (2001) as the only players with consecutive 40-point games at age 22 or younger in NBA postseason history.

Shakur Stevenson @ShakurStevenson

Anthony Edwards different!

Jon Krawczynski @JonKrawczynski

Wow. Anthony Edwards was the best player on a floor that also had Nikola Jokic. The Wolves are up 1-0. What a game.

Hoop Central @TheHoopCentral

ANTHONY EDWARDS TONIGHT:<br><br>45 POINTS<br>7 REBOUNDS <br>3 ASSISTS<br>2 BLOCKS<br>58% FG<br><br>GENERATIONAL. <a href="https://t.co/DTBW5Dtwue">pic.twitter.com/DTBW5Dtwue</a>

Jemele Hill @jemelehill

Anthony Edwards … not enough superlatives to describe this cat.

John Karalis 🇬🇷🇺🇦 @John_Karalis

Super super super impressive win by Minnesota. Edwards is incredible.

Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42

Top-5 player in only year 4

Patrick Beverley @patbev21

🐜 is so Tough

The Nuggets seemed poised to repeat as the team to come out of the West this season, but after the Wolves stole Game 1, it appears this series could go either way. Minnesota was convincing in the first round against the Phoenix Suns, and a win over Denver on Saturday shows that it could be a real contender this year.

If the Timberwolves can continue getting this kind of play from Edwards, an NBA Finals might not be that far out of reach.