Despite the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 133-95 blowout loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals, star guard Anthony Edwards still made franchise history. Edwards appeared in his 48th career playoff game — a team record.
At just 24 years old, he has already led Minnesota to back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances and is chasing a third straight trip. Even in a lopsided defeat, Edwards’ milestone further cemented his growing legacy as one of the most impactful young stars in franchise history.
If he can guide the Timberwolves past the powerhouse Spurs — and potentially to an NBA Finals appearance — it would only elevate his standing among the NBA’s elite at such a young age.
Is Edwards already the greatest Timberwolves player ever?
Edwards, who is battling a bone bruise in his left knee, was an exciting prospect before Minnesota drafted him No. 1 overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. The 24-year-old is known as a high-energy two-way guard, excellent at creating his own shot and dangerous from the perimeter, mid-range and while slashing into the paint.
Defensively, Edwards showcases a tenacious mindset while using his strength and lateral quickness to slow opponents.
The former Georgia Bulldog averages 24.6 points, five rebounds and 3.7 assists for his career, but he turns it up a notch in the postseason. In 48 playoff games, Edwards averages 25.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists.
Over the Timberwolves’ past two playoff runs, Edwards led the unit to wins over the likes of Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets), Kevin Durant (then Phoenix Suns) and LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers).
Before Edwards arrived in Minneapolis, the Timberwolves had made just one appearance in the Western Conference Finals (2004) and had not made the playoffs since 2018.
Edwards’ overall personality and attitude are infectious, along with his athletic playing style. It is no wonder the NBA sees Edwards as one of the faces of the league.
However, despite Minnesota not having substantial playoff success before Edwards, the franchise has had its share of standouts, including Kevin Love, Karl-Anthony Towns and Kevin Garnett.
Edwards’ rise places him alongside franchise greats
Love played six seasons with Minnesota, averaging 19.2 points and 12.2 rebounds. Despite his high production, Love didn’t lift his team to the postseason.
Anthony-Towns spent nine seasons with the Timberwolves, earning six All-Star selections. The former No. 1 pick averaged 22.9 points and 10.8 rebounds with Minnesota. But when Edwards arrived, it was evident the Timberwolves saw him — and not Anthony-Towns — as the face of the franchise.
It is without question that Garnett is universally regarded as the greatest player in Timberwolves history. The “Big Ticket” had arguably the best regular season in franchise history in 2004.
The 1995 draft pick became the first — and only — player in franchise history to win the NBA MVP award (2004). Garnett also lifted the organization to its first berth in the Western Conference Finals in 2004 (24.2 PPG, 13.9 RPG).
Although Garnett never had the benefit of a consistent supporting cast like Edwards has, his impact on the franchise is undeniable.
Following Game 2, Edwards complained that the Timberwolves came out too “cool.” If he heats up, Minnesota could make a deep run —- and Edwards can cement his status as the best player in team history and one of the league’s top stars.