Anthony Edwards was on fire on Saturday against the Denver Nuggets in game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals series. The 22-year-old showed his quality in the big game to put the Timberwolves in the driver’s seat.
Despite the heroics, one incident stuck out like a sore thumb. During the third quarter of the game with just over a minute on the clock, Anthony Edwards danced his way under the rim, evading Reggie Jackson and scored with a layup. After scoring, the Ant-Man stared at the Nuggets guard, which the officials called a technical foul. Anthony Edwards couldn’t believe it, and neither Charles Barkley on the NBA On TNT set.
Charles Barkley and Anthony Edwards (Image Source: Getty Images)
While watching the highlights, Barkey commented, “Hey, Mr. Official. Nobody came to see your a*s play. Stop giving taunting technicals in the game. Nobody came to see you. You give a kid a warning. You don’t call no taunting technicals in the Playoffs. Don’t do that.”
Live commentator Reggie Miller also had the same reaction to it and did not spare the officials for the call. He said, “No, Courtney! I’m sorry! We’re in the second round of the playoffs. Emotions are always gonna be high… Come on, man! What has this game come to?”
While the astonishment over the officiating continued, Anthony Edwards kept his head and dropped 43 points on the Nuggets to join an elite list of NBA greats.
Anthony Edwards Joins Kobe Bryant With Historical Feat
With his 43 points on the night, Anthony Edwards joined the late great Kobe Bryant in the history books. The Timberwolves guard recorded back-to-back 40-plus games in the playoffs while being 22 years of age or lesser. Only Kobe Bryant achieved that feat in the 2001 playoffs.
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Edwards converted 17 of his 29 shots from the field and shot 42.9% from the 3-pts line. He also chipped in with 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal, and a controversial tech foul.
The two teams will again meet on Monday for game 2 of the pulsating series, and NBA enthusiasts hope for better officiating in that game.
