The 20-year-old scored a game-high 36 factors to stun the Western Convention’s quantity two seed in their very own yard on the FedExForum, dazzling in a press release win for a T-Wolves staff that solely reached the playoffs by way of the play-ins.

Including two rebounds and 6 assists, Edwards turned the third youngest participant in NBA historical past — and solely considered one of 4 below the age of 21 — to attain 35 factors in a playoff recreation, in keeping with ESPN Stats and Data.

With solely Derrick Rose and Tyler Herro attaining such a haul at a youthful age, it was a feat made all of the extra spectacular contemplating it was Edwards’ first ever style of the playoffs — not that he was in any manner overwhelmed by the event.

“I did not really feel any totally different,” Edwards informed reporters after the sport. “It is like an everyday season recreation to me.”

Battle of youth

Middle Karl Anthony Cities and guard Malik Beasley added 29 and 23 factors for the Timberwolves, with Edwards singling out the efficiency of ahead Jaden McDaniels as “the MVP of the sport.”

With 15 factors, seven rebounds and two assists, the Timberwolves have been a internet +19 factors whereas the 21-year-old McDaniels was on courtroom.

“He was the perfect participant on the ground for us, little question,” Edwards mentioned.

And with 22-year-old Ja Morant main scoring for the Grizzlies with 32 factors, it was an evening that emphatically underlined the sheer high quality of younger expertise within the NBA.

Although tailing off in direction of the sport’s finish, an electrical begin from Morant noticed him go 5 for 5, ending the sport with 4 rebounds and eight assists.

An enthralling match-up together with his opposing guard marked the primary time in NBA historical past that opposing gamers aged 22 or youthful had each scored 30 factors in a playoff recreation, in keeping with ESPN Stats and Data.

Trash discuss motivation

But the evening finally belonged to Edwards, who will now look to drive his staff nearer to a well-known upset in Memphis on Tuesday.

His efficiency in Recreation 1 could have finished little to quell the hostile reception the 20-year-old is more likely to obtain, however that is precisely the best way Edwards likes it.

Trae Young's second half blitz steers Hawks into NBA playoffs

“I believe Memphis followers ignite my recreation once we’re enjoying right here as a result of they discuss a lot trash,” Edwards mentioned.

“Even the children — the children was the worst at this time. Even eight-year-olds, 10-year-olds, ‘Anthony, go sit down! You suck!’

“It is simply enjoyable, basketball is enjoyable to me, I adore it … Regardless of the crowd gonna do, they gonna do. I ain’t gonna get into it although.”

Children star as Curry returns

Elsewhere within the Western playoffs, Steph Curry’s long-awaited return from damage impressed the Golden State Warriors to an emphatic 123-107 victory over the Denver Nuggets.

The eight-time All-Star wasted no time in attending to work after his absence with an ankle damage, hitting a trio of threes en path to 16 factors, in addition to including three rebounds and 4 assists.

Curry reacts after making a three-point basket against the Nuggets.

One more teen stole the limelight although, as Curry’s 22-year-old teammate Jordan Poole drained a game-high 30 factors in his playoff debut.

Within the different Western sequence of the evening, the Utah Jazz triumphed 99-93 over a Dallas Mavericks staff reeling from the injured absence of star man Luka Dončić.

With 21-year-old Tyrese Maxey scoring 38 within the Philadelphia 76ers’ 131-111 victory over the Toronto Raptors within the Jap playoffs, the tally of 30-point performances by gamers 22 or youthful rose to 4. Earlier than Saturday, there had by no means been greater than two on the identical evening, in keeping with ESPN Stats and Data.

The long run is certainly vibrant for the NBA.

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