The first round of the NBA playoffs is almost here, and one of the best in the league is ready for the challenge.
Although it took them until the final day of the regular season to secure a playoff spot, the Minnesota Timberwolves are set for their first-round matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. While the Lakers have more star power than most of the league with Luka Doncic and LeBron James, the Timberwolves have Anthony Edwards on their side.
Edwards has been one of the best players in the league this season, particularly as he has improved his outside shooting and hit 39.5% of his 10 outside shots per game. Even despite his improvements this season, Minnesota has taken a step back after making a surprising deal to send Karl-Anthony Towns to New York before the season.
Still, last year’s Western Conference runner-up is a dangerous team as a sixth seed. However, not everyone has confidence in Minnesota, as most of the national media expect the No. 3 seed Lakers to advance.
“I love the fact that everyone wants the Lakers to win,” Edwards said. “That’s how it’s supposed to be. They don’t want the Timberwolves to win. I get it.”
As one of the largest markets and largest fanbases in the league, the Lakers often get more attention than any team in the league, regardless of their talent level. Of course, that also leads to many overlooking teams like Minnesota as the teams prepare for a playoff battle.
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Although it must be frustrating for the Timberwolves and their fans to be constantly overlooked, having a player like Edwards can make things better. Since arriving in Minnesota, Edwards has never been shy to embrace his team or community, and he is looking to put the team on his back again this postseason and help the Timberwolves make another deep run.
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