Anthony Edwards offered a show of force in Abu Dhabi on Sunday during the fifth friendly match won by Team USA. While Germany had achieved the feat of 16 points ahead in the third quarter, the back of the Wolves sounded the revolt, multiplying the actions of high class, in order to reverse the trend and allow the Americans to win 99-91.
During his festival, we will note in particular two Kobe-esque actions, or Wade-esques, with a 3-pointer in transition to equalize at 86-86 then a remarkable fadeaway at the low post to drive the point home one minute from time. At the finish, victory above all, but also 34 points in 34 minutes!
Enough to mark its territory a little more as the number 1 option of Steve Kerr’s device.
“He is unquestionably the leader”, slipped the American coach after the meeting. “You can see he knows it. But now the team knows it, and I think the fans see it. He sincerely thinks he is the best player on the pitch every night. And he’s such a dynamic young player. I think he’s taking a big leap forward.”
Good foundations to consolidate
As was the case against Spain in Malaga, the Americans faced great opposition and showed their strength of character. A good omen for the future as the World Cup will be anything but a long calm river. For Anthony Edwards, it is the pleasure he has taken since the beginning of this adventure that stands out.
“It was fun. I enjoy every moment.” did he declare. “It was super exciting. We were at -16, so there was adversity. Tyrese and Austin pulled off the big game in the second half. The energy they brought off the bench was super important. We need this every night, so congratulations to them! »
The five friendly matches won before tackling serious things have given Steve Kerr’s group certainty, but everything is still far from perfect, like this match against the Germans where the click was made wait, with a disturbing defense in sequences. But the cohesion of the group is indeed present.
“We always go to Manila with the feeling that we have a lot of room for improvement, but also with great self-confidence. The group is tight. They really like each other. They play well together and fight. So it’s a big step forward.”added Steve Kerr.
See you on Saturday for the first leg against New Zealand.
| Anthony Edwards | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2020-21 | MIN | 72 | 32 | 41.7 | 32.9 | 77.6 | 0.8 | 3.9 | 4.7 | 2.9 | 1.8 | 1.1 | 2.2 | 0.5 | 19.3 |
| 2021-22 | MIN | 72 | 34 | 44.1 | 35.7 | 78.6 | 0.9 | 3.9 | 4.8 | 3.8 | 2.3 | 1.5 | 2.6 | 0.6 | 21.3 |
| 2022-23 | MIN | 79 | 36 | 45.9 | 36.9 | 75.6 | 0.6 | 5.2 | 5.8 | 4.4 | 2.4 | 1.6 | 3.3 | 0.7 | 24.6 |
| Total | 223 | 34 | 44.1 | 35.2 | 77.0 | 0.8 | 4.4 | 5.1 | 3.8 | 2.2 | 1.4 | 2.7 | 0.6 | 21.8 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
