NBA

Anthony Edwards block: Timberwolves star’s athletic game-winning save draws Michael Jordan comparison

Photo of Best News And Media Affiliates Best News And Media AffiliatesMar 8, 2024 12:15 pm
0 489 3 minutes read

The moment Aaron Nesmith got past Mike Conley in the paint, it appeared Thursday’s thriller between the Pacers and Timberwolves was headed to overtime.

Anthony Edwards had other ideas.

Edwards went soaring to the rim as Nesmith attempted his layup and swatted the ball away, hitting his head against the backboard in the process. The clock struck zero as the ball sailed away from the rim, and the Timberwolves held on to win 113-111.

The block capped off an incredible performance by Edwards to help send Minnesota back to the top of the Western Conference. He finished the game with 44 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and a pair of blocks.

“I hit my head, I think on the rim. It’s hurting real bad and I landed on my wrist,” Edwards told Bally Sports North after the game. “I saw him with the lane, I knew he was going for the layup and I was like, ‘Man I’m finna go get this.’ I ain’t never jumped that high in my life.”

Here’s how Edwards and the Timberwolves pulled off the victory over the Pacers.

MORE: Updated NBA playoff standings, bracket

How Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves beat Pacers

On a day when the team learned star Karl-Anthony Towns would miss potentially the rest of the regular season, the team’s leading scorer played the role of hero in more ways than the block.

Tyrese Haliburton tied the game at 105 each with 1:28 left on a made free throw. The Timberwolves responded with Edwards draining a 3 to put Minnesota up 108-105 at the 1:11 mark. He added to the lead with a jumper 24 seconds later.

Myles Turner brought the game back to one possession for Indiana with a 3 less than five seconds later, but Edwards then added another basket with a floater to push Minnesota up 112-108. Following three made free throws by Nesmith with 16.1 seconds left, the Pacers fouled Edwards, who made his first free throw.

Edwards missed his second, however, and Turner collected the rebound. Turner got the ball to Haliburton, who launched a perfect pass to Nesmith, who was in transition down the court. He appeared to have a lane before Edwards came to deny him the game-tying bucket.

“I found my second wind late in the fourth, and it was over,” Edwards told Bally Sports North. “Once I found my second wind I knew there was nobody that could stop me.”

MORE: The photo that made Anthony Edwards-Michael Jordan parallels impossible to ignore

Anthony Edwards vertical

The Timberwolves star is believed to have a 41-inch vertical, per Canis Hoopus.

For perspective, the average NBA player’s vertical is reported to be around 28 inches, according to Top End Sports. 

Anthony Edwards block reactions

The NBA world was understandably blown away by Edwards’ game-winning block.

Here’s a look at some of the top reactions:


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Photo of Best News And Media Affiliates Best News And Media AffiliatesMar 8, 2024 12:15 pm
0 489 3 minutes read
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