The Minnesota Timberwolves suffered a 113-105 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday. The game saw standout performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who caught the attention of the Timberwolves players, including Anthony Edwards. Gilgeous-Alexander’s impressive play left a strong impression on Edwards, who couldn’t help but praise the Thunder star.
Edwards spoke to ESPN after the game about the Thunder star. Edwards, who recently got fined for his NSFW post-game interview, openly praised Shai’s skills, going as far as to name him the MVP for the season.
“I don’t know if they could give it to (Nikola Jokić) again. Yeah, I would say Shai. Yeah, he’s looking like the MVP, man. He was incredible once again tonight. He’s consistent every night. His team gonna give him the ball and just let him rock out every night. It’s nothing to think about,” Edwards said.
Anthony Edwards on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander:
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 1, 2025
“The MVP of the NBA… he's unguardable… I feel like he should have won it last year.”
(via @BrandonRahbar) pic.twitter.com/AzK5QBy0aC
“He’s unguardable. I feel like he should have won it last year,” he added.
However, Edwards’ comments sparked various reactions from fans. Many were quick to call him out for praising whoever beats him. Some fans even drew comparisons to NBA legend Kobe Bryant, with some arguing that Bryant would never make such remarks, especially while the season was still ongoing.
Shai owns Ant
— ShaiRevenge⚡️𓃵 (@ShaiRevenge_) January 1, 2025
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Every time he get smacked he call somebody the best in the league 😂
— Depressed Heat Fan (@JayNukes) January 1, 2025
Bro calls whoever whoops him the best in the world😭
— 🦌💫 (@GiannisWorld) January 1, 2025
Kobe would of Never said this lol
— L1pp (@Tony_Lippett14) January 1, 2025
Bt these are the “stars” yall stuck wit 🤣
Kobe would never say some like this, especially while the season is still going. These new players ain’t built the same
— Flipgodz (@Flipgodzz) January 1, 2025
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Responds To Anthony Edwards’ Praise
After the Thunder’s win over the Timberwolves, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shared his thoughts on the high praise he received from Anthony Edwards. During a post-game press conference, Shai expressed how much it meant to him to hear such compliments from a fellow player.
“It’s a really good feeling. No offense to you guys in the media, but the best satisfaction is when your peers and the guys that do the same thing for a living at a very high level that you do recognize and respect your craft and your talent,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recorded 40 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals on 15-for-23 shooting against the Timberwolves. The Thunder star is averaging 31.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game this season.
