One electrifying dunk encapsulated Anthony Edwards’ dominance in the second half on Monday night. Edwards soared for a jaw-dropping slam over Utah Jazz’s John Collins in the third quarter, propelling the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 114-104 victory while leaving both players shaken up after the spectacular play.
“I was thinking I was going to miss it because I wasn’t close to the rim, but somehow God willed it in for me,” reflected Edwards, who poured in 25 of his 32 points post-halftime.
The highlight-reel play quickly spread across social media, with Timberwolves veteran Mike Conley hailing it as perhaps the best dunk he’s ever seen in person.
“He’s like a cat almost,” Conley marveled. “He just keeps going forward and lands on his feet. Stuff like that is what makes him who he is and why he can maneuver in the game how he does.”
Growing up, Edwards idolized dunking legends like Vince Carter, aspiring to replicate their aerial exploits. Monday night’s thunderous slam undoubtedly elevated him to that esteemed category.
“It gives me chills, man because I always dreamed of dunking on somebody like that,” Edwards confessed.
However, both Collins and Edwards suffered injuries on the play. Edwards dislocated his left ring finger in the collision with Collins’ cheekbone, hastily retreating to the locker room during a timeout. After popping his finger back in place and receiving treatment, he courageously returned to the court.
Meanwhile, Collins was sidelined for the entire fourth quarter due to a suspected concussion, later diagnosed as a head contusion.
Edwards’ momentum-shifting dunk injected vigor into a depleted Minnesota squad, missing key players like Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns, and coping with Naz Reid’s first-half injury.
“It gives everybody energy,” Edwards emphasized. “It makes everybody want to defend, want to get stops. It makes the game more exciting.”
In addition to his aerial heroics, Edwards showcased his versatility with eight assists, seven rebounds, and two blocks across 38 minutes. His relentless hustle on both ends of the floor kept the Jazz on their toes throughout the second half.
“That’s who he is,” acknowledged Utah coach Will Hardy. “He’s an All-Star. He’s a hell of a player.” Edwards’ recent performance marks three consecutive 30-point outings, averaging 31.5 points on an impressive 58% shooting from the field in back-to-back victories over Utah.
“He’s always been a guy who can really flip a game around,” praised Timberwolves coach Chris Finch. “Knows when to raise it. Knows when to make the big play. Can sometimes make it out of nothing. But now he’s like way more polished with what he’s doing. He’s a little more composed, not rushing it as much.”
