In a Western Conference clash between two of the NBA’s most exciting young teams, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards stole the show with an electrifying poster dunk over Oklahoma City Thunder rookie sensation Chet Holmgren. The jaw-dropping play ignited the crowd and served notice of Edwards’ elite athleticism and star potential.
Edwards Takes Flight
The play unfolded in the first quarter with the Timberwolves leading by double digits. Edwards caught the ball on the left wing, took a power dribble and elevated towards the rim. Holmgren rotated over to challenge the dunk but the 6’4″ Edwards rose up and threw it down with authority, posterizing the 7-foot rookie.
SHEESH ANT.
– Minnesota Timberwolves Twitter
After the thunderous dunk, Edwards had some choice words for Holmgren, letting the young big man know he was not to be trifled with. The poster quickly went viral on social media as fans marveled at yet another ridiculous highlight from the high-flying Edwards.
Rising Timberwolves Star
Now in his fourth NBA season, the 21-year-old Edwards has blossomed into one of the league’s most dynamic young scorers. He came into Thursday night’s game averaging a career-high 27.5 points per game to lead a promising Timberwolves squad featuring All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns and crafty guard D’Angelo Russell.
With his rare combination of power, speed and leaping ability, Edwards regularly produces eye-popping dunks. His poster on Holmgren was reminiscent of his rookie year jam over Toronto Raptors big man Yuta Watanabe, which was a Dunk of the Year nominee. Edwards has made a habit of baptizing opposing rim protectors.
Budding Timberwolves-Thunder Rivalry?
Though they play in separate divisions, Minnesota and Oklahoma City appear to be on a collision course as two of the Western Conference’s fastest rising young teams. Behind superstars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren, the Thunder surprisingly entered the night with the NBA’s best record, while the Wolves are firmly in the playoff mix.
With both squads loaded with under-25 talent like Edwards, Holmgren, Towns, SGA and Josh Giddey, this has the makings of a rivalry that could define the West for years to come. Based on their first meeting this season, Edwards and the Wolves served notice they won’t back down from the challenge.
More to Come from Ant-Man
While the poster dunk on Holmgren was the highlight of the night, Edwards impressed throughout the game, scoring from all three levels and getting his teammates involved. He finished with 33 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists to lead Minnesota to an emphatic road win over the West-leading Thunder.
Over his first three and a half seasons, the former No. 1 overall pick has already built an impressive resume featuring an All-Rookie First Team selection, a Dunk Contest appearance, and last year’s Most Improved Player award. If Edwards continues to produce plays like his throwdown on Holmgren, he may add a first All-Star nod to his list of accomplishments this season.
With his elite physical tools, rapidly developing skill set and fiery on-court demeanor, the man they call “Ant-Man” looks poised to be a problem for the rest of the league for a long time to come. His sky-high dunk on Chet Holmgren was just the latest example of his rare talent.
