While the NBA is a game of high stakes, taking risks, and last-second heroics, Anthony Edwards took a different route to legacy. On Jan 4, an NBA game night that started quite simply, the Wolves’ star delivered a career-high performance against the Detroit Pistons. Edwards recorded 53 points, making 10 of his 15 three-point attempts. However, unbeknownst to Edwards, the night still had some surprises up its sleeve.
In early January, amidst the sea of fans gathered to see their favorite stars, courtside stood a six-year-old Luca. Wearing Edward’s jersey, the small boy with a larger-than-life spirit held up a handmade sign. While fans with signs are nothing new but the boy’s one told a story. A story of bravery and resilience, as it read: “To Do: 1. Beat Cancer 2. Be The Next MJ.”
When Edwards saw the sign, he loved it! The All-Star signed both the jersey and the sign, and took a picture with little Luca. While extremely heartwarming, there is more. Luca gifted his favorite player an orange wristband with the writing, “love like Luca”. This encouraged a lovely declaration by Edwards as he promised, “OK, you know what Luca? I’ll wear this for the rest of my career on my left arm band just for you.”
“I’ll wear this the rest of my career… just for you”
Ant got an orange wristband from Luca, who’s battling cancer, and wore it Monday in their win vs. LAC
(via @Timberwolves) pic.twitter.com/DVtnB9RaPV
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 7, 2025
Afterward, Edward introduced Luca to the entire Wolves bench, and Luca made sure no one felt left out. He gave everyone their very own orange wristbands. Edwards also learned Luca’s favorite number. If you guessed five, then you are absolutely right, the same number that Edward wears to honor his late mother and grandmother, both of whom passed away due to cancer. A connection that definitely made everyone shed tears. And as for Edwards, he has been seen wearing the orange wristband every match since, throughout the season and the playoffs. Luca’s wristband is now a symbol of hope, it shows the significance of the games beyond stats and numbers.
While no one can be certain about the outcome of Game 3 between the Timberwolves and the OKC Thunder. But one thing everyone can agree on is, Edwards has won everyone’s heart with his commitment to honor his promise. So, let’s find out what else to expect tonight.
Will the Timberwolves make it out of this one?
While the OKC Thunder have dominated the first two games, we know the Wolves like to keep their promises. Though tonight’s underdogs have a hundred-to-one odds against them, if they play cohesively, they could get one win. The power duo of the Wolves, Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, had underwhelming performances. Edwards recorded only 18 in the first game, and he injured himself.
But the Wolves’ superstar got up and went back to finish the match. In the next match, he scored 32 points, which was definitely a comeback, but not enough to keep them in the race. Meanwhile, Randle had a better Game 1 with his 28 points, but only posted 6 points in the second game. Tonight is the last time for Minnesota to fight, and if Edwards and Randle both sync up, there is still hope.
So, the question remains: will the underdogs come out as winners? Will luck finally shine on the Wolves? Well, whatever the case may be, we know one little boy who will be supporting his favorite Wolves star.
The post Why Does Anthony Edwards Wear an Orange Wristband? Know the Emotional Story Behind the Timberwolves Star’s Gesture appeared first on EssentiallySports.
