“This series is not over. It’s the first to four, not to three. I promise you it ain’t over. Everyone’s counting us out. It ain’t over. I promise you."
Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards spoke loud and clear after Minnesota fell into a historically insurmountable 3-0 series hole following Game 3 on Friday.
In Game 4 on Sunday, Edwards backed up that statement by leading the Timberwolves to victory to send the series back to Denver.
Up by 12 points with under three minutes to go, it looked like Minnesota had the game all but wrapped up. In the blink of an eye, the Nuggets rattled off an 11-0 run to put the Timberwolves on the verge of a season-ending meltdown.
Nikola Jokic was fouled with 12 seconds to play, going to the free throw line, down by one, with a chance to win the game. Jokic went 1-of-2 from the line to tie the game, then Denver came up with a stop to shockingly force overtime.
The Timberwolves were able to take care of business in OT, where Edwards delivered a game-sealing dagger with 11 seconds left to close things out.
ANTHONY EDWARDS.
— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2023
CLUTCH.
TIMBERWOLVES LEAD BY 4 ON TNT! pic.twitter.com/4uAadAeD1w
Edwards assured he upheld his promise, going off for 34 points, six rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two assists. After the game, the young star talked about the added pressure he put on himself to keep his team's season alive in Game 4.
“I take pride. I didn’t want to say I got swept," Edwards told the media. "I don’t ever want to say I got swept in my career. I definitely took it personally tonight.”
The 21-year-old made history with his series-extending performance, joining James Harden as the only players in NBA history with at least 30 points, five boards, five assists, two steals and two blocks in a playoff game, per StatMuse.
Dropping 34 points, Edwards also surpassed the late, great Kobe Bryant for the most 30-point playoff games (5) in NBA history before turning 22 years old. Only LeBron James (8) has more.
"Shoutout to Kobe, man," Edwards said when he was told the feat in his postgame presser. "... I haven't made it out of the first round, it's great to be mentioned with those guys but I still got work to do."
Edwards and the Timberwolves will look to extend the series again when they travel to Denver for Game 5 on Tuesday, April 25 at 9 p.m. ET on NBA TV.
