2024-08-04 12:55:01
VILLENEUVE-D’ASCQ, France – Anthony Edwards had his Olympic moment.
A crowd-pleasing, windmill dunk by Edwards in the fourth quarter against Puerto Rico Saturday punctuated his efficient 26-point performance in the U.S. men’s basketball team’s 104-83 victory in Group C at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“I had already told KD (Kevin Durant) after the timeout, ‘Bro, if I get a break, I’m going to windmill it,'” Edwards said.
Edwards had thoughts of a risky, more elaborate dunk. “I wanted to go between your legs, but I ain’t tried it in a minute, so I (didn’t) want to embarrass myself,” he said.
He didn’t embarrass himself. “I’ve been waiting. I want to dunk on somebody, but I ain’t got a line yet, so I’m glad I got that one,” Edwards said.
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It was Edwards’ best game of these Games – 14 of his points came in the second half as the U.S. built a 31-point lead and ensured it a 3-0 record in group play and the No. 1 seed headed into in the quarterfinals.
He made 11 of 15 shots from the field, including 3 for 6 on 3-pointers, and added three rebounds, three assists and two steals.
“It was going to be different every night. Tonight was my night,” Edwards said. “The first night was KD, the second was Bam (Adebayo). It’s not about getting mine. The ball was finding me. It was swing-swing (passes), and I was the recipient for all those swing-swings and I was able to knock it down.”
U.S. head coach Steve Kerr saw that from Edwards at the 2023 World Cup, and then Edwards carried that over into the 2023-24 season, during which he became an All-NBA selection for the first time, helping the Minnesota Timberwolves win their first playoff series in 20 seasons.
“Anthony can score anytime in any situation, and so the benefit of having a guy like that is in a tight situation, you need a shot, he can get one,” Kerr said. “And I think this has been a great experience for him. … The talent is overwhelming and as he continues to learn how to use it and be efficient in his play, he will be unguardable.”
Edwards is a unique character in the NBA and on this team. Confident. Engaging. Humorous. Considerate. It’s a combination of character traits that makes him say things like, “I’m still the No. 1 option” on Team USA or believing that he can win a point against an Olympic table tennis players while calling the sport ping pong.
It’s enjoyable, and there is no malice. It’s done with a captivating smile as bright as a miner’s lamp. The NBA is going to show more Timberwolves games, and Edwards is a major reason why. His profile will continue to rise.
Edwards has a different role at the Olympics than he did last at the FIBA World Cup. This year, he’s a reserve on a team with Durant, LeBron James, Steph Curry, Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid and Jayson Tatum. Last year, he was the leading scorer for the U.S.
Although he made the comment about being the No. 1 option, he didn’t mean he would get more and want more shots than any other player. It was his way of expressing how much he believes in himself. He wants to contribute in meaningful ways.
He is absorbing the international basketball experience – thrilled to be on Team USA. “I’m playing alongside the greatest players of all time,” Edwards said.
Growing up in Atlanta, Edwards said the first NBA game he attended was Atlanta vs. Oklahoma City when Durant played for the Thunder. Durant became his favorite player.
“After that I watched all his games,” Edwards said. “When I was little, I wore No. 35 in basketball.”
If you observe U.S. practices and games, Edwards and Durant are often talking. Durant said he has enjoyed getting to know Edwards, and with Durant and Edwards both reserves in Paris, they’ve spent solid time playing together.
“It was incredible to watch him go to work tonight, knock down shots, get to the rim that easily, just play his game,” Durant said. “He had fun tonight. And he ignited the whole crowd. He ignited our team. When we see him one-on-one up top, we see his opportunity to go at the other team and we’re swinging (him) the ball. It’s fun playing with him.”
It’s impossible to tell what will happen in future Olympics. But given Edwards’ trajectory, he could be the face of the U.S. basketball team for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games.
“It’s an honor to play for your country and to try to put on a show for the people,” Edwards said, “so I would hope so.”
Anthony Edwards had an Olympic moment Saturday. He’s headed for more.
