Anthony Edwards emerged victorious in his duel against Kevin Durant in the Suns-Wolves series.
Edwards excelled for the Timberwolves in the franchise’s four-game sweep of the Suns, averaging 31 points, eight rebounds, and 6.3 assists.
Despite the heated moments between him and KD during the series, Durant had nothing but praise for Edwards.
“So impressed with Ant,” Durant said after Phoenix’s 122-116 loss to Minnesota on Sunday. “My favorite player to watch. Just grown so much since he came into the league. At 22, his love for the game shines bright.”
Ant and KD had several memorable encounters throughout the series.
One standout moment was in Game 1, when Edwards hit a jumper over KD and engaged in some trash-talking with his childhood hero.
Only thing Durant could do was smile.
“That’s one of the reasons I like him the most because he just loves basketball, he’s grateful to be in this position, he’s taken advantage of every opportunity he’s gotten. Love everything about Ant. Everything,” Durant said. “Will be watching him going forward. I know he’s going to go out there and play extremely hard every single night. Was really impressed with him, and he’s going to be somebody I’m following the rest of his career.”
Following the sweep, Edwards expressed how satisfying it was to defeat KD at his own game.
“It’s the best feeling in the world to send him home. Out. Whatever you want to call it,” Edwards said. “I don’t even think I outplayed him, he played great throughout the whole series, but my team outplayed his. To come out victorious is the best feeling ever, to beat him, because he’s my favorite player of all time.”
While KD’s NBA season has concluded, he may not be able to avoid Edwards’ trash talk at the Paris Olympics.
“I got the utmost respect for KD, man,” he said. “He comes in and competes every night. I watched every last one of his games since I’ve been about five. I love that guy, man. I’m excited to play with him this summer, man. Talk a little trash and let him know I sent him home.”
