Patrick Beverley labelled Anthony Edwards the ‘next Michael Jordan ’ after the guard starred to keep the Minnesota Timberwolves alive in the NBA Play-Offs.
The Timberwolves entered Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets with a 3-0 deficit to the first seed, with any hopes of pulling off a first round upset all but extinguished. However, Minnesota showed fight and secured a spectacular 114-108 victory on Sunday.
Once again, the night belonged to Edwards. The 21-year followed up his 41 points in Game 2 with 36 in Game 3, before leading Minnesota to a clutch win to keep their season alive in Game 4.
Edwards scored 34 points and did so by shooting the ball impressively in clutch moments. The Wolves blew a double-digit lead in regulation as the Nuggets inexplicably took the game to overtime, and Denver went on a 6-0 run to make it a one-point game in Minnesota’s favour.
With the organisation holding its breath, Edwards executed a divine crossover on Aaron Gordon before connecting on a huge three-point strike to make it a four-point game with just 11 seconds remaining. It means the Timberwolves will avoid a sweep and will face the Nuggets in Denver for Game 5.
Beverley - who now plays for the Chicago Bulls - was quick to heap praise on his former teammates. Speaking on the Pat Bev Podcast with Rune, Beverley said: “I was expecting people to call me crazy, and I told them he could be the next Michael Jordan.”
Edwards has said the veteran point guard placed great confidence in him when he played alongside Beverley for the Timberwolves last season. The 2021 Rookie of the Year has been at his supremely confident best throughout this series, but his teammates have faltered to allow the Nuggets to take control.
With his performance in Game 4, Edwards surpassed the late Kobe Bryant’s record for most 30-point playoff games before turning 22 years old. He has scored over 30 points in five postseason contests over just 10 playoff appearances.
Edwards will look to continue his incredible form when the Timberwolves go to Denver to face the Nuggets in Game 5 on Tuesday. The Nuggets can book their place in the Western Conference semi-finals with a win.
