On Tuesday, Anthony Edwards continued a strong recent run after producing a career-high 28 points, seven rebounds and five assists during a 112-104 loss to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Edwards finished the contest by shooting 10-of-20 from the field, including a career-high five 3-pointers in 34 minutes of action. He became just the fourth Timberwolves rookie in team history to reach at least 25 points, five rebounds and five assists in a game.
The rook over the vet! #NBARooks pic.twitter.com/5wVXSLnsBa
— NBA Draft (@NBADraft) February 17, 2021
The aggressive night by Edwards was a direct result of the previous game this season versus the Lakers on Dec. 27. He managed just 15 points in that game while Minnesota lost by 36 points.
Edwards wanted to change his approach the second time around.
Respect. pic.twitter.com/263Ogmpx4o
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) February 17, 2021
“Last time I played versus the Lakers, I played very bad,” Edwards said. “I feel like as a team we were very bad, we were not very aggressive. We were scared, we were intimidated. I took it personal and took it upon myself to show that I don’t care who I’m going against, I’m still going to play the same way as I would play against somebody that isn’t the Lakers.”
During the midst of his night, Edwards lined up a 3-pointer right over James in the third quarter. Immediately after hitting it, Edwards could be seen with a huge smile on his face.
“First of all, (he is) a great kid,” James told Spectrum SportsNet. “Obviously, we know what he can do with the game of basketball. He showed that tonight, been showing throughout the course of his rookie season so far. Hopefully, for me, throughout my career, I inspired the younger generation to want to be part of this league and want to be great.”
Edwards certainly is among those players that have been inspired by James over the years. He is averaging 17.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 11 games.
