In the recently concluded men's basketball group stage, the United States men's basketball team defeated the Puerto Rico men's basketball team 104-83 and successfully advanced with a three-game winning record. The match almost became Anthony Edwards' solo show, and his performance was not only efficient, but also extremely spectacular, as if to announce to the world that a new star was rising.
Edwards' stunning performance
Edwards came off the bench in this game, shooting 11-of-15, including 3-of-6 from three-point range, for 26 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. He had already scored 12 points in the first half, and the opponent's defense was a void for him, and the score was like a probe. Especially in the final moments of the game, he successfully stole his opponent and completed a stunning windmill dunk, which successfully ignited the whole court, and this moment of soaring into the air can't help but remind people of Edwards' bright future.
This year is the year for the Timberwolves, which Edwards plays, for them to officially take off. The Timberwolves are not a strong team in the league, especially in the last decade or so, they have suffered from the playoffs. However, the team made a No. 1 pick in 2020 and selected Edwards. In addition, in 2022, the team hired Connery as general manager, and in exchange for Gobert and Conley under his operation, the team began to go uphill. In the playoffs last season, the Timberwolves made it all the way to the Western Conference finals, only to lose to the Mavericks and win three games by their opponents, which is also a price for their immaturity.
The rise of the Timberwolves and the growth of Edwards
Edwards, as the established absolute cornerstone of the team, is improving every year and is even expected to become the face of the league in the future. In addition to excelling on the professional stage, Edwards was equally effective in international competitions. Since the United States men's basketball roster was confirmed this year, they have played in eight games, three of which are official group games and the other five are pre-Olympic warm-up games.
In all eight of these games, Edwards has scored in double figures. Legends such as Curry, James and Durant, who are destined to enter the Hall of Fame in the future, have not done this, and only Edwards has done it in the entire United States men's basketball team.
The most amazing thing is that Edwards has not only been strong in this time for the United States men's basketball team, but also in past games. In last year's Basketball World Cup, Edwards played in eight games for the United States, averaging 18.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 47.5% from the field and was named to the All-NBA team of the year. The only regret is not being able to win the championship.
Edwards: The future king of FIBA?
One fact we have to admit is that Edwards not only has a great possibility of becoming one of the faces of the future NBA, but also has a greater possibility of becoming the FIBA king of the United States men's basketball team in the future. Although the NBA and FIBA are both basketball sports, there are considerable differences between them. Some players may be able to thrive in the NBA, but their performance on the international stage is greatly reduced, and vice versa. This is also the reason why some players who seem to be ready to play in the NBA are not comfortable with the situation after actually landing in the NBA. This is true for some players who play on the national team and when they are judged in the NBA.
However, it now seems that Edwards does not seem to have this problem. He is highly likely to be the next Michael Jordan, Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant, the leaders of the United States men's basketball team. Despite his abilities, there is still a lot to be aware of. For example, he can continue to improve when it comes to tandem teammates. Moreover, as the subsequent opponents become stronger and stronger, the defense against him will become more and more tight, and whether he can continue to play at a high level is the real ability. For a team like the United States men's basketball team aiming for a gold medal, the group stage qualification is just the beginning.
The future of Edwards and the United States men's basketball team
Although Edwards' performance is impressive, he is still very young, and he is only 23 years old this year, not even 23 years old. His future is full of possibilities, and perhaps he will be a key step in the revival of the United States men's basketball team. The United States men's basketball team has always been known for its strong teamwork, but the outstanding performance of individual players is equally important. Edwards undoubtedly has the potential to be the heart of the team, and his progress and growth will have a direct impact on the team's overall performance.
In future matches, Edwards will face stronger opponents and more pressure, which will be a test of his true strength. As a young player, he needs to continue to hone his skills and tactics and improve his chemistry with his team-mates. At the same time, he also needs to maintain a stable mental quality and be able to step up and lead the team to victory when it matters most.
Final summary
Anthony Edwards showed great potential and endless possibilities in the recent men's basketball group stage. Not only did he play an important role in the United States men's basketball team, but he also played a key role in the rise of the Minnesota Gray Wolves. As time goes on, there is reason to believe that Edwards will become a leading figure in basketball in the future, both in the NBA and on the international stage.
The future of basketball belongs to those young people who dare to challenge and continue to break through. Anthony Edwards is using his actions to prove to the world that he is one of them. His rise represents not only personal success, but also a symbol of the bright future of the United States men's basketball team and the Minnesota Gray Wolves. We look forward to witnessing every leap he takes, every time he takes off, and witnesses the birth of a new basketball legend.