Anthony Edwards’ impressive poster dunk over Utah Jazz power forward John Collins on Monday left both players injured. Edwards dislocated a finger on his left hand, while Collins suffered a head contusion. Despite the injuries, the Minnesota Timberwolves went on to win the game 114-104, with Edwards scoring a game-high 32 points.
This dunk was not the first highlight-worthy moment for Edwards, who has become known as one of the league’s most violent in-game dunkers. His rookie season was marked by an avalanche on Toronto’s Yuta Watanabe, and he has since dunked over defenders like Alperen Şengün, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jalen McDaniels, and Jalen Duren. One of his best dunks, although it didn’t technically count due to an offensive foul, was over Miami’s Gabe Vincent in his second season.
The impact of Edwards’ dunk once morest Collins went beyond the highlight reel. The Timberwolves were trailing and struggling without key players Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, and Naz Reid, who were all out due to injuries. However, Edwards’ dunk ignited a turnaround, and the Timberwolves outscored the Jazz the rest of the way to secure a much-needed victory.
Edwards’ ability to recover quickly from injuries has earned him the nickname “Wolverine.” Despite appearances of serious injuries, he often returns to the court following a quick visit to the locker room with little sign of being hurt. This resilience has been a key attribute for the 22-year-old star.
Considering Edwards’ recent performances, there is speculation that he might be in the conversation for All-NBA First Team. While four spots seem to be locked up by Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the fifth spot might be up for grabs. Boston’s Jayson Tatum is a strong contender, but if Edwards continues to lead his team to victories and put up impressive numbers, he might make a compelling case for the spot.
Looking into the future, Edwards’ performances suggest a promising trend for the Timberwolves. In the previous 14 games, he averaged 29.1 points and 5.8 rebounds, and in the five games that Towns missed, he averaged 31 points and 7.2 rebounds. With the Timberwolves currently tied with the Denver Nuggets for second place in the Western Conference, Edwards’ contributions have been instrumental in their pursuit of the top seed.
In conclusion, Anthony Edwards’ emphatic dunk over John Collins not only left a lasting impression on the game but also showcased his status as one of the league’s most electrifying dunkers. His resilience in the face of injuries, coupled with his consistent scoring and rebounding, has positioned him as a potential contender for All-NBA First Team. As the Timberwolves continue to rely on his performances, the future looks promising for both Edwards and the team.
