About this Episode
In this episode of Podcasty NBA, hosts Niko and Stella explore Anthony Edwards' remarkable evolution during the 2025 NBA playoffs as detailed by ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin. They discuss key moments from Minnesota Timberwolves' series against Golden State Warriors highlighting Edwards’ transition from high-volume scorer struggling in clutch moments to an all-around leader making smarter decisions on court. Insights include comparisons to Michael Jordan’s supporting cast influence, lessons learned from past failures, Olympic experience under Steve Kerr’s coaching, and teammates’ perspectives on his growing confidence and impact heading toward potential franchise milestones.
Article Discussed: "How Anthony Edwards' hero-ball evolution began with Kobe and Michael Jordan"
Author: Dave McMenamin
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Episode Transcript
Niko: Welcome back to Podcasty NBA! Today, we're diving into the fascinating evolution of Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, especially focusing on his recent playoff performances and how he's growing beyond his early hero-ball tendencies.
Stella: Absolutely, Niko. This episode unpacks Edwards' journey from a high-scoring but sometimes one-dimensional player to a more mature, team-oriented leader. We'll explore key moments from the recent Western Conference semifinals against the Warriors and what that means for Edwards and the Timberwolves moving forward.
Niko: So let's start with that pivotal Game 3 against Golden State. After a tough first half where Edwards only scored eight points on 3-for-12 shooting, including 1-for-6 from three, he exploded in the second half with 28 points. That included some highlight-reel plays like a dunk from just inside the free throw line and a clutch step-back three-pointer.
Stella: Right, and what's really striking is how Edwards showed growth in his decision-making during that game. Instead of forcing shots when triple-teamed late in the game, he passed to Julius Randle who then set up Jaden McDaniels for a three-pointer that put Minnesota up by six with just over three minutes left. That play exemplifies his evolution into an all-around threat.
Niko: Exactly. His coach Chris Finch noted how this season has been about balancing his natural aggressiveness with better playmaking. And teammate Mike Conley praised Edwards for maintaining an attacking mindset while learning to process defenses better and find open teammates.
Stella: It's interesting because this growth didn't happen overnight. Five months ago, Edwards had a rough crunch-time performance against Golden State where he shot 0-for-6 with a turnover in the final minutes of a loss. Coach Finch recalled how Edwards apologized afterward, acknowledging he needed to create more for others instead of just scoring.
Niko: "He came into the team afterwards and he apologized," Finch said. "He just stopped kind of creating for everybody down the stretch." That moment was part of their growth as a team and for Edwards personally—he's not hesitant to take blame but constantly wants to improve.
Stella: "My trainer always tells me Michael Jordan had Steve Kerr," Edwards said recently, highlighting how he's learning to trust teammates more rather than always trying to win games single-handedly. It's clear he's studying great players' histories and understanding that passing is as crucial as scoring.
Niko: "Jordan had Steve Kerr," says trainer Chris Hines, emphasizing that even legends relied on sharpshooters around them. Edwards is getting familiar with these examples now — like watching Kobe Bryant hit Rick Fox with passes — which helps him see the bigger picture beyond hero-ball highlights.
Stella: "He's learning," Conley said about balancing aggression with smart playmaking. "We want him aggressive but also able to process defenses and pick out outlets when help defense comes." This nuanced approach is still developing but it's evident in his postseason clutch stats: five assists without turnovers in clutch minutes—the best in these playoffs.
Niko: "Every three possessions I'm going to shoot one out of three," Edwards explained about his mental metronome during crunch time—balancing shooting and passing thoughtfully rather than forcing plays every time down the stretch.
Stella: "His success at the Olympics last summer coaching under Steve Kerr alongside stars like Curry and Kevin Durant also boosted this development," Hines noted. KD told him catch-and-shoot skills would be vital moving forward—a skill Edwards has worked hard on since then.
Niko: "Edwards talks about Team USA more than anything," Conley shared, noting how international experience opened new perspectives for him while reinforcing confidence in his abilities compared to other elite players worldwide.
Stella: "Now one win away from consecutive conference finals appearances," Randle said about their belief in Edwards leading Minnesota to its first-ever championship after 36 years. He compared Anthony's confidence to Kobe-like levels—fearless in big moments and eager for responsibility.
Niko: "We preach 'make the right play,'" Coach Finch said, quoting conversations with Anthony who once remarked 'Maybe I'm the right play.' And Finch agreed: 'He's not wrong.' This shift shows how far Edwards has come—from hero-ball scorer to trusted team leader capable of making smart decisions under pressure.
Stella: "To sum up, Anthony Edwards’ journey this season reflects significant growth—from early struggles taking clutch shots alone toward embracing teamwork while maintaining his aggressive style," Stella said thoughtfully. "His evolving mindset could be key for Minnesota’s playoff success and future championship hopes."
Niko: "That's right! And it’s been fascinating watching this transformation unfold live—showing us that even young stars can learn from history while forging their own paths," Niko concluded warmly. "Thanks for tuning into Podcasty NBA; we'll catch you next time for more deep dives into basketball’s biggest stories."
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