Anthony Edwards has been pivotal in leading theTimberwolves back to the Western Conference Finals for the 2nd year in a row.
Last summer was the turning point that transformed Anthony Edwards into the undeniable leader of the Wolves pack we see dominating today. Minnesota’s loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference finals last May certainly played a role, but it was Edwards experience and journey with Team USA at the Paris Olympics that started his transformation from lethal scorer to bonafide superstar.
From his lone year in college at the University of Georgia through his five seasons in the NBA, Edwards’ explosive athleticism, scoring prowess and confidence were never in question. To take that next step into greatness, he would have to add to his game, not only on the court, but off of it, too.
“I think last year, I played a lot of ‘I’ ball, and I learned you can’t win without your teammates. You need the other four guys on the floor,” Edwards said, in reference to what he picked up during his time with guys like LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant as a member of Team USA last summer.
The leadership and maturity Edwards has shown at just 23 years of age hasn’t gone unnoticed. Mike Conley, the 18-year NBA veteran who chose to spend his final years in the league with Edwards in Minnesota, believes in him no matter what.
“He’s worked all season for that,” Conley said.
“And he’s led us to this point… Him (Edwards), Julius, Donte – all the people that have followed along and added in, piece by piece as we go. It all starts with him.”
That brings us to the next step in the evolution of Edwards – unselfishness – and the speed at which it became so evident in his growth as a person and player. The proof is in the pudding, so it’s time we talk about the numbers.
Let’s look at the overall stats in a few areas from 2023-24 compared to 2024-25. Last season, Minnesota ranked 17th in offensive rating (114.6), 15th in 3-pointers made (12.6), 23rd in 3-point attempts (32.7), and third in 3-point percentage (38.7). This year, the offensive rating jumped to 8th (115.7) while they ranked fifth in 3PM (15.0) and 3PA (39.9), but their 3P% (37.7) remained steady in fourth.
The offensive philosophy was modernized towards volume shooting from behind the arc with the additions of Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, but it was maximized because of Edwards. Ant recorded career highs in points (27.6) and 3P% (39.5), led the NBA in 3-pointers made (320), was second in 3s made per game (4.1) and fourth in attempts per (10.3). A year ago, he ranked 45th in 3PM (2.4) and 39th in 3PA (6.7), resulting in a 35.7% mark.
With two new pieces added to the puzzle this year, the first two months of the regular season did not come without some adjustments, but come 2025, the script was officially flipped.
Minnesota went 32-18 from Jan. on and closed the regular season on a 17-4 stretch to earn the No. 6 seed in the West despite the jam-packed standings. Before the New Year, Edwards averaged 24.8 ppg, 43.9 passes per that led to 3.9 apg, and the Timberwolves as a team scored 109.2 ppg. After Jan. 1, his scoring exploded to 29.5 ppg to help the Wolves average 117.6 ppg, and his passing increased to 46.0 a night while dishing out 5.0 apg.
Edwards’ development and maturity this season has transformed Minnesota into title contenders.
“What he does every night for our team is special. He makes the game easy for all of us,” said Randle.
Now, Edwards and his teammates will get another chance to show they’re ready in tonight’s Game 1 of the Western Conference finals in a hostile environment in Oklahoma City (8:30 ET, ESPN).
