When the underdogs come to face the wrecking balls, the alpha needs to take control. Wolves need that leader against the might of the Thunder the whole series. But if Game 1 was anything to go by, it might be a shorter series than expected. And Anthony Edwards should be counting his lucky stars that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP overshadowed his howler of a Game 1. All the experts had the Ant-Man shining against the best of the West. But it didn’t go that way.
Edwards was dubbed as the King Slayer prior to this matchup. And you can’t even deny it. Beating LeBron James’ Lakers and Stephen Curry’s Warriors in 5 games each takes serious guts. And on the way to the WCF, he averaged 25.7/8.1/5.6 in 11 postseason games while shooting 44.2% from the field. But the WCF? Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein’s paint and rim protection only restricted Edwards to 18/9/3, shooting 38.5% from the field and 37.5% from deep.
Granted that facing a dominant OKC team with the season’s MVP might’ve been an uphill battle from the get go. And their defensive tactics of overcrowding the paint made the Timberwolves settle for shots from deep that just didn’t convert. But you know what Shaquille O’Neal calls them? Excuses. If you’re gunning for your first ever championship, excuses have to be the last thing you should be bringing out. Just learn from OKC. Even Shai had a slow first half, going 2-for-11 from the field. But he controlled the game, and was the best player on the court in the second.
Nov 7, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts after scoring against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
“I need Ant to take over. I don’t wanna hear no defense, I need him to step up. We’re talking about him being the new face of the league. These are the things that we have to go through. I need to see him figure it out. Him passing the ball in the fourth quarter, I don’t like to see that… So I’m going need Mr. Edwards to step up. I don’t care what type of defense they throw at him. You know what I think they need from Ed? Julius Randle had 20 points in the first half. He kept it going and to start the third quarter, he didn’t touch the ball. So I actually need to see him get Julius involved, be more intentional about that,” said Shaq on NBA on TNT.
In all fairness, Mark Daigneault’s tactics caught Chris Finch and Co. off guard. Keeping Anthony Edwards away from the fun isn’t easy. But their defense was so good that it got Charles Barkley agreeing with public enemy Kendrick Perkins on his comparisons with the greats of the NBA.
OKC Thunder reminds Charles Barkley of Dennis Rodman’s Bulls
Barkley and Perkins go way back, and not in the good way. Barkley labelled Perkins a “fool” and an “idiot” when KP said that the Lakers were “saving the NBA” following a significant trade involving Luka Doncic. Perkins himself didn’t sit back, claiming that the pair of Shaq and Chuck only watch basketball when the Knicks are involved. So it’s safe to say that they don’t really see eye-to-eye on many things. But greatness brings them together- and Barkley was not hesitant on KP’s praise of this Thunder team.
“This is the best defensive team. I’ll give my boy Kendrick Perkins some love. And he said it, this is the best defensive team I’ve seen in NBA in a long time. They remind me of the Bad Boy Pistons and Chicago Bulls when they had Dennis Rodman… This is the deepest team in the NBA. And I told you a while back, they’re gonna win the NBA championship. I have not seen any team that can beat this team. They’ve been the best team all year,” said an awestruck Chuck on NBA on TNT.
During the Bulls’ second 3-peat with Dennis Rodman, they ranked 1st in all three seasons for defensive ratings (101.8, 102.4, 99.8). And Rodman had a huge part to play in that, bringing in unparalleled rebounding and defensive tenacity, often guarding taller opponents and anchoring the interior defense. Any surprises that this dominant OKC team draws parallels with the greats of the NBA?
Dec 8, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7), guard Luguentz Dort (5) and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrate after Chet Holmgren scores a basket against the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Game 2 will be interesting to watch. Both teams have a point to prove- who wants it more will come out on top. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be fresh off his MVP honors, looking to put his foot down on why it was 100% deserved. But a King Slayer like Anthony Edwards fights best with his back against the wall. He ain’t going down without a fight.
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