"It was like taking candy from a baby, and they took the candy" - Anthony Edwards feels Minnesota Timberwolves should have eliminated Memphis Grizzlies in playoffs
Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves came up short against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of last season's playoffs. The series was tied after four games, but the Timberwolves blew double-digit leads in Games 5 and 6.
In an interview with Zion Olojede of Complex, Edwards talked about the first-round matchup against the Grizzlies. The young Timberwolves star said his team could have easily advanced to the Western Conference semifinals to face the Golden State Warriors.
"Man, I feel like we handed it to them, man," Edwards said. "It was like taking candy from a baby, and they took the candy. We had every game won man, and I don't know what happened. I don't know what happened."
Already one of the best young players in the NBA, @theantedwards_ believes this is the year he joins the ranks of being one of the best players period.
He talked with Complex about his growth as a player, championship aspirations and much more!
LINK: bit.ly/3QcE8yP https://t.co/1ziDzlgPyB
Edwards was the best player for the Timberwolves in the playoffs, averaging 25.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists in six games. He exploded for 36 points in his postseason debut, leading Minnesota to a 130-117 win in Game 1.
The Grizzlies battled back in Games 2 and 3 to take a 2-1 lead. Minnesota blew a 25-point lead twice in a 104-95 home loss in Game 3. They did win Game 4 119-118 to level the series.
In Game 5, the Timberwolves blew a 13-point fourth-quarter lead. Ja Morant hit the game-winning layup. Minnesota had another double-digit lead entering the final quarter in Game 6, but Memphis rallied once again to win the game 116-114 and clinch the series.
Anthony Edwards believes he'll be among best players in NBA
Like many young players in the NBA, Anthony Edwards is not lacking confidence. Edwards believes he'll be in the conversation for best player in the league soon. He feels he needs another season before he can be compared with the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid.
"I need another year. After this year, I think I’ll be in the conversation," Edwards told Complex.
On his goals for the new season, Edwards said he wants to become an All-Star in what will be his third year in the league. He played like an All-Star last season, averaging 21.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals. He also wants to make it far in the postseason.
"Me, personally, I want to be an All-Star Starter," Edwards said. "I want my averages to go up. I want to win a lot of games and go deep into the playoffs."
The Minnesota Timberwolves will fancy making it past the first round next season. They went all in by acquiring Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz in the offseason.
Karl-Anthony Towns:
"It's go time. The (Rudy Gobert) trade happens. There's no more time. There are no more excuses. We've got to get it done now. It's championship now or bust. Got to go out there and get the job done."
(h/t @MikeAScotto) https://t.co/DtLx0Nga2n
Gobert makes them one of the best teams in the NBA, with Karl-Anthony Towns believing it's championship or bust for the team next season.