Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards made waves in the NBA with his impressive poster dunk over Utah Jazz power forward John Collins on Monday. The dunk was so emphatic that both players ended up injured.
In a postgame interview, Edwards revealed that he had dislocated a finger on his left hand. Collins, who was on the receiving end of the dunk, suffered a head contusion after contesting the slam. Fortunately, Collins did not suffer a concussion.
The highlight-worthy moment occurred in the third quarter when Minnesota was trailing by one point. Edwards picked up the ball, dribbled down the court, and passed it off to Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who then sent it back to Edwards in the lane. Edwards proceeded to slam home what many consider to be the dunk of the year over Collins, who stands at 6-foot-9.
After landing, Edwards appeared to be holding his finger as his teammates surrounded him to celebrate. Despite the injury, Edwards’ performance was instrumental in leading the Timberwolves to a 114-104 victory, with Edwards scoring a game-high 32 points.
This is not the first time Edwards has showcased his high-flying dunks. Since his rookie season, he has gained a reputation as one of the NBA’s most violent in-game dunkers. Players such as Alperen Şengün, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jalen McDaniels, and Jalen Duren have all experienced the force of Edwards’ dunks. One of his best dunks, although it didn’t technically count, was when he threw one down over Miami’s Gabe Vincent in his second season but was called for an offensive foul.
The impact of Edwards’ dunk goes beyond the highlight reel. The Timberwolves were struggling without injured players Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, and Naz Reid. However, Edwards’ dunk helped rally the team, and they outscored the Jazz 49-38 for the rest of the game, securing a much-needed win.
A notable aspect of Edwards’ playing style is his ability to endure and bounce back from injuries. Often, his injuries initially appear serious, but after a quick trip to the locker room, he returns to the court seemingly unaffected. His resilience has earned him the nickname “Wolverine,” as he consistently overcomes injuries and continues to deliver exceptional performances.
This game-changing dunk raises the question of whether Edwards could be a contender for the All-NBA First Team. Four spots in the team seem to be secured by Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. However, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics is also in contention for the fifth spot. Nevertheless, if Edwards maintains his outstanding performance to keep the Timberwolves in contention for the top seed in the Western Conference, he will certainly be a strong candidate for the coveted spot.
Edwards’ recent statistics further solidify his case. In the previous 14 games, he has averaged 29.1 points and 5.8 rebounds. In the five games that Towns missed prior to the Utah game, Edwards averaged 31 points and 7.2 rebounds. Currently tied with the Denver Nuggets for second place in the West, the Timberwolves (47-21) are just half a game behind the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
Looking beyond Edwards’ specific performance, his dunk highlights the potential future trends in the NBA. The league constantly craves excitement and memorable moments to engage fans and attract new viewers. Spectacular dunks like Edwards’ dunk over Collins create buzz and generate interest in the sport. As the NBA continues to evolve, we can expect more players to embrace the art of dunking and push the boundaries of athleticism.
In conclusion, Anthony Edwards’ incredible dunk has left a lasting impact on the NBA. Not only did it result in injuries to both himself and John Collins, but it also propelled the Minnesota Timberwolves to victory. Edwards’ ongoing exceptional performances position him as a potential candidate for the All-NBA First Team. Moreover, his resilience in overcoming injuries showcases his determination and adds to his reputation as one of the league’s most exciting players. As the NBA constantly seeks to captivate audiences, moments like Edwards’ dunk will continue to shape the future of the game.