Anthony Edwards honestly reflects on eliminating Kevin Durant in 2024 NBA Playoffs
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards recently reflected on his team’s victory over Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, expressing mixed emotions about eliminating his basketball idol.
Known for his blunt and unapologetic personality, Anthony Edwards admitted feeling some remorse over the situation.
During a panel with Durant and former NBA player Jalen Rose at Fanatics Fest in New York City, he shared his thoughts on knocking Durant out of the playoffs.
“I’m not gonna lie…I felt bad a little bit,” Edwards said. “Only because he's my favorite player of all time. I didn't wanna send him home like that.”
Edwards had a standout performance in Game 4 of the Timberwolves-Suns playoff series, scoring 40 points to complete a 122-116 win and sweep the series.
Throughout the series, Edwards and Durant engaged in several back-and-forth exchanges. However, after securing the sweep, Edwards emphasized the respect he had for Durant, while also slipping in one last playful comment.
“I got the utmost respect for KD. He comes in and competes every night. I’ve watched every one of his games since I’ve been 5. I love that guy," Edwards said. "I’m excited to play with him this summer, talk a little trash and let him know I sent him home.”
Edwards led the Timberwolves to their first playoff sweep in franchise history and their first playoff series win in two decades. In the first-round series, he averaged 31.0 points, 6.3 assists and 8.0 rebounds per game, shooting 51.2% from the field and 43.8% from three.
The Timberwolves continued their impressive playoff run by defeating the Denver Nuggets in a hard-fought seven-game series during the second round, before ultimately falling to the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference finals.
In the offseason, the Anthony Edwards-led team experienced some roster changes, losing key players like Kyle Anderson, Jordan McLaughlin, Wendell Moore Jr., Monte Morris, and TJ Warren.
However, they strengthened their lineup by bringing in Rob Dillingham, PJ Dozier, Jesse Edwards, Joe Ingles and Terrence Shannon Jr.
Kevin Durant calls Anthony Edwards the ‘Baby GOAT'
Instead of engaging in more banter, Kevin Durant praised Edwards, acknowledging his impressive achievements at such a young age.
“Man, I call him the baby GOAT," Durant said. "You know what I mean."
Edwards was the youngest player on the Team USA roster that won gold at the Paris Olympics.
Durant, who also played a key role, was the team’s third-leading scorer with 13.8 points per game, setting the Team USA record for most points in the Olympics.