The loss in Game 3 in Dallas almost pushed the Wolves into the abyss. They are down 3-0 and are condemned to the impossible: coming back from such a gap to win a series has never been successful, even if the Celtics were close last season (defeat in Game 7 against Miami) .
However, after the meeting, Anthony Edwards didn't seem dejected. His season is almost over but he had a smile when responding to journalists.
The “positive attitude”
“I am never negative, I always look at the positive side”, he explains. “I never think the sky is falling. I don't know why, but I'm always happy. As I have worked, the sky never falls on my head. »
Mike Conley confirms the positivity surrounding the All-Star, but specifies that he is also aware of his limits in this series (22 points average at 39% shooting success). Anthony Edwards' attitude is therefore not “I-don't-care”.
“He's not only trying to move the group forward, keep it positive, but he's taking it out on himself. He is the first to say that he was not up to the task, that he did not do what he should have done, that he should have done better. remarks the leader. “He assumes his responsibilities and we can emphasize that. He looks at himself in the mirror and accepts it. It's impressive to see him do this at 22 years old. We wouldn't be here without this type of player. »
“ For him, it’s fun at the moment”
How then can we explain why he is so relaxed in the face of such pressure? “Maybe he doesn't feel the pressure because he isn't fully aware of the seriousness of the situation.”Mike Conley tries to answer. “I always say it: it’s the ignorance of youth. Maybe I'm the only one who feels this way, because I'm 36 and haven't played much at this level. »
Rudy Gobert went in this direction by comparing Anthony Edwards to Dwyane Wade, who led the Heat to the title in 2006, at age 24, while being surrounded by veterans. A young man with a bright future who brings freshness to a more mature group.
“For him, it’s just fun right now. He probably doesn't feel the pressure like I do, but that's also what makes his personality.” continues Mike Conley. “He can just be himself and not feel things too much. He's going to play well, he has to, we need him to be Superman. »
| Anthony Edwards | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 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 |
| 2023-24 | MIN | 79 | 35 | 46.1 | 35.7 | 83.6 | 0.7 | 4.8 | 5.4 | 5.1 | 1.8 | 1.3 | 3.1 | 0.5 | 25.9 |
| Total | 302 | 34 | 44.6 | 35.3 | 79.3 | 0.7 | 4.5 | 5.2 | 4.1 | 2.1 | 1.4 | 2.8 | 0.6 | 22.9 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
