Kendrick Perkins shared his admiration for Anthony Edwards’ leadership in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ recent playoff win against the Phoenix Suns. Perkins even compared Edwards’ leadership skills to those of some MVPs he had played alongside in the past.
During the first game of the playoff series, the Timberwolves secured a significant lead against the Suns with a convincing 120-95 victory on their home court. Edward, just 22 years old, played a crucial role in this win, scoring an impressive 33 points while contributing nine rebounds, six assists, and two steals during his 36 minutes on the court.
On ESPN’s NBA Countdown, Kendrick Perkins praised the maturity displayed by Anthony Edwards in Game One. Perkins compared Edwards’ leadership to former MVPs Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, whom he played with during his time with the OKC Thunder.
“I never played with a young great player like that. No disrespect to KD. No disrespect to Russ or James Harden. That type of leader,” said Perkins.
Anthony Edwards showed his skills in the third quarter by scoring 18 of his 33 points, moving his team to a good 92-72 lead in the final quarter. He went against NBA icon Kevin Durant, and even threw some trash talk towards the Suns star.
Kevin Durant ignores Anthony Edwards’ trash talk
In the third quarter of Game 1’s playoff between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Phoenix Suns, Anthony Edwards directed some provoking trash talk towards Kevin Durant after taking a three-pointer over him. Despite the 120-95 defeat, Durant ignored the trash talk, viewing it as part of the game’s intensity and spirit.
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Durant praised Edwards for his impressive shot-making ability, saying how the Timberwolves’ rising star found his rhythm early and maintained it throughout the game. Reflecting on the moment, Durant remarked, “Yeah, it’s just basketball.”
“Not even playoffs, it’s just hoop. You get hot, you make shots, you make tough shots, you’re gonna feel excited about yourself,” KD added.
Speaking of Edwards’ game, Durant said, “So it’s on me to keep coming back and show him a tough look … He got it going. He made some tough ones, just gotta live with it and be better nex game.”
It remains to be seen if KD and co. can make a comeback in the series from the next game on.
