The 20-year-old scored 36 points to lead the T-Wolves to a statement win over the Western Conference’s second-seed in their home arena, the FedExForum.
Edwards scored 35 points, grabbed two boards, and dished out six assists to become one of only four players under the age of 21 in NBA history to do it in a playoff game, as reported by ESPN Stats & Information.
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Timberwolves Vs Grizzlies
That Edwards accomplished this in his first ever postseason game is all the more remarkable given that only Derrick Rose and Tyler Herro had accomplished such a haul at a younger age.
I didn’t feel any different,” Edwards said to the press after the game. To me, it’s just like any other game during the season.
Young guns clash Timberwolves centre Karl Anthony Towns scored 29 points, and guard Malik Beasley contributed 23; yet, forward Jaden McDaniels was named “MVP of the game” by coach Dwane Edwards.
McDaniels, the Timberwolves’ 21-year-old point guard, contributed 15 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.
It’s No Exaggeration to Say that “He was the Greatest Player on the Court for Us,” as Edwards Put it.
Ja Morant, a 22-year-old point guard for the Grizzlies, led his team in scoring with 32 points, and the entire game was a resounding testament to the incredible depth and quality of youthful NBA talent.
Though he cooled off in the second half, Morant’s electrifying start saw him go five for five and close the game with four rebounds and eight assists.
Youngsters play as Curry makes a triumphant return in an exciting matchup with his counterpart, the first time in NBA history that two guards, both aged 22 or younger, scored 30 points in a playoff game.
In other Western Conference playoff action, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Denver Nuggets 123-107 thanks in large part to Steph Curry’s comeback from injury.
The eight-time All-Star returned from an ankle injury and got right to work, draining a trio of threes on his way to 16 points, three boards, and four assists.
Against the Nuggets, Curry dunks the ball and celebrates with his teammates.
Jordan Poole, Curry’s 22-year-old teammate, stole the show by scoring 30 points in his playoff debut.
Conclusion
The Utah Jazz defeated the Dallas Mavericks 99-93 in the night’s other Western Conference matchup. Dallas was struggling without injured star Luka Doni.
With Tyrese Maxey’s 38 points in the Philadelphia 76ers’ 131-111 Eastern Conference playoff win over the Toronto Raptors, the total number of 30-point performances by players age 22 and under has been raised to four.
According to ESPN’s records, there had never been more than two in a single night prior to Saturday. The NBA’s outlook is extremely positive moving forward.
