Anthony Edwards showed off his killer instinct on Sunday as he led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a massive Game 4 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers to take a 3-1 series lead.
The Lakers were in the driver’s seat for the majority of the second half in this one, but Edwards just refused to let his team lose. The three-time All-Star went off for a game-high 43 points, five triples, nine rebounds, six assists, a block and just one turnover all while going toe-to-toe against LeBron James throughout the contest.
Edwards spoke to reporters after the game, and one of the questions he faced was about battling James on the court. The Timberwolves sent a clear message to James about the physical nature of this series.
“Yeah, it’s going to be physical, man,” Edwards said. “I’m going to say I was trying to make a point, but just let him know that we ain’t just going to. He ain’t just going to push us around all night.
“… I’m not going to lie, he’s strong. … he a lot stronger than me. But just let him know that we’re going to be here all night, and I’m going to be a pest to him.”
Edwards wanted James and the Lakers to know that the Wolves aren’t going to back down, no matter what.
Edwards also made it clear, though, that he has nothing but respect for James, which is also why he’s doing what he can to compete at the highest level.
“Whenever I get on him, I’m going to try to get up under his skin,” Edwards continued. “I mean, because, you know, we played together at USA (in the Olympics). He was like a big brother to me. He looked out for me, helped me out a lot with reading the game, IQ and everything.
“So, you know, just trying to be a pest to him out there.”
Game 5 at Crypto.com Arena is on Wednesday as Edwards and Co. look to close out the series in L.A.
