Every generation of NBA basketball has brought with it a new debate pitting two top-tier players against each other. Larry Bird vs Magic Johnson. Michael Jordan vs Isiah Thomas. LeBron James vs Stephen Curry. Now, with the arrival of a new class of players, the Luka Doncic vs Anthony Edwards debate has taken hold.
Despite this on-court prowess, Doncic haters will find some reason to attack the Slovenian, with the player’s weight and his lack of stamina being favorites. Well, those critics might end up taking back their words, not because of Luka Doncic, but because of Anthony Edwards’ recent actions.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin recently highlighted some behind-the-scenes news from the recent matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves. He revealed that during one of the quarter breaks, Anthony Edwards was reportedly getting some oxygen. McMenamin further highlighted that this wasn’t anything new, since the 23-year-old had been getting oxygen during last year’s playoffs too. The same aided in maximizing his time off the court to get refreshed.
Anthony Edwards is getting oxygen in the back during the quarter break. He did the same thing last year during the playoffs, maximizing his time off the court to get refreshed
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 9, 2025
Anthony Edwards did receive oxygen back when the Minnesota Timberwolves were competing against the Dallas Mavericks, then Luka Doncic’s team, back in 2024. The Wolves had just cleared a 7-game series against the Denver Nuggets, and were on Game 2. It was Dave McMenamin himself who reported that “During the time Anthony Edwards was checked out of the game, from 7:53 to 5:31 remaining in the 4th Q, The Wolves guard put on a face mask to receive oxygen in the tunnel by the Minnesota bench”. When questioned about this, however, Edwards reportedly tried to cover that fact up. In fact, with a laugh, he said “Nah, nah. I was good today.”
Well, there you go. That is evidence enough for any of Luka Doncic’s supporters. After all, while Anthony Edwards taking in supplemental oxygen to enhance his athletic performance is not against the rules, it points out anyone as a hypocrite who criticized Luka Doncic over his stamina but aren’t willing to do so for the 23-year-old Timberwolves star. Therefore, it wasn’t a surprise when the comments section of Dave McMenamin’s tweet was filled up with people pointing out the bias.
NBA Fans mock Anthony Edwards’s oxygen use by comparing Luka Doncic’s situation: “Next MJ, legend killer ”
One individual did not mince around with words, and straightaway wrote “Luka played 42 mins while sick. ESPN called him, overweight, no stamina, no conditioning. Ant Edwards gasping for air with an oxygen tank. ESPN crowns HIM face of the NBA, Next MJ, legend killer ”. This was a reference to Game 3 of the Lakers-Timberwolves playoff series that took place in April 2025.
Leading up to the game, the Slovenian had contracted some sort of a stomach bug, or a stomach illness, that had him “vomiting all afternoon”, according to Lakers head coach JJ Redick. Despite this, he played for a whopping 40 minutes on the court. Unfortunately, his effort was lost in the fact that Luka could not be too efficient, and scored only 17 points on a 6-of-16 shooting, including 3-of-8 on 3-pointers. Therefore, for supporters of the Jordan Brand athlete, it was finally a good revenge to see their favourite player stand out through his ‘Flu Game’ in comparison to Anthony Edwards’ oxygen intake.
Another fan wrote, “You know Ant admitted to being tired in last year’s WCF right. How this was phrased for vs how it would be phrased for Luka Doncic would be a total 180. Who has that flirting vs sexual harassment meme?? ”.
Anyone who scrolls too much on Instagram would have certainly come across that meme. Any fans of Sinners would know how that meme is now being used to justify the Michael B. Jordan-Shameik Moore joke. Therefore, it is appropriate to use it in this case too, since the shoe fits. After all, several renowned NBA personalities, like Udonis Haslem, continue to call out the Lakers player for lack of fitness and leadership, while defending Nico Harrison’s decision to trade him. However, no such criticism has come up since Dave McMenamin provided the update about Anthony Edwards.
One social media user wrote, “@KendrickPerkins maybe Ant needs to stand on business? or get into championship shape? Or hustle more? @stephenasmith @WindhorstESPN @RealJayWilliams @EmmanuelAcho @RicBucher”.
Once again, the renowned presenters and analysts in basketball media were being called out for all the criticism they have given to Luka Doncic over the months, even years. Especially Kendrick Perkins, who has become notorious for supporting the Timberwolves star over the Lakers one. Back in late April, the former player said he now understands why Nico Harrison made the infamous decision to trade Luka Doncic, and said, “Anthony Edwards is going to win a championship before Luka Doncic. Anthony Edwards is built different. [Ant] is a better all-around basketball player than Luka Doncic. … [Ant-Man] is a top 5 player in the game today.” Well, we would really like to see someone out there show Kendrick Perkins McMenamin’s tweet, and see how he reacts to that.
Apr 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
One individual wrote, “If this was Luka I can’t even imagine lol”. Well, to be fair, there is a reason why Luka Doncic gets attacked over these issues, while Anthony Edwards doesn’t. When news first broke out about Luka Doncic’s trade, it took a few days for some confirmed updates to come out. According to a report by Sam Amick of The Athletic, released back in February, the Dallas Mavericks were concerned about Luka’s bad habits. This included his use of smoking hookahs, and drinking beer.
Amick further reported that “Make no mistake, the people who witnessed Doncic’s last days in Dallas do not paint a flattering portrait of the 25-year-old’s professionalism. They call him lazy. They talk about the weight issues that were such a frequent frustration within their walls”. He also added that “They predict his basketball demise, highlighting a health history that, as some see it, will likely lead to catastrophe in the next five years or so.”
No such reports have ever been released on Anthony Edwards before, making the Slovenian a ripe target for criticism.
One social media user wrote, “Could you imagine the public outcry if Luka needed oxygen during a game?” Let’s hope that day does not come, because no one wants more attention to be diverted towards Luka Doncic’s issues, right? Overall, the majority of reactions were united in supporting Luka Doncic, while belittling those who always criticize the Slovenian superstar for his health at the same time. One can only wait to see what reactions will come up if the Minnesota Timberwolves get eliminated from the ongoing playoffs’ 2nd round.
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