NBA fans who watched the San Antonio Spurs’ 126-123 escape act against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday at Frost Bank Center didn’t just witness a high-level basketball tussle. They also saw firsthand two of the league’s brightest young superstars—Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama—put on an absolute show that reminded everyone the NBA’s future is brighter than ever and in good hands.
Edwards dropped a career-best 55 points and was unstoppable in the Wolves’ fourth-quarter rally, making tough shot after tough shot even in the face of the Spurs’ usually stifling defense. Wembanyama was sensational just the same, putting up 39 big points on top of 9 rebounds and 2 blocks while matching Edwards’ shotmaking at one critical juncture down the stretch.
Edwards, Wembanyama Relish Challenge
Postgame, both Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama were complimentary of each other, with the Wolves guard, in particular, admitting that the Spurs get the best of him simply because “they’ve got Wemby.” Edwards also warned the big man from France that he’ll try to dunk on him in-game, while also hinting that he’d welcome a one-on-one affair any time.
“I love it. I wish we could’ve just moved everybody out of the way… me vs. him,” he told reporters after the Spurs’ close win.
Wemby isn’t backing down and has all but guaranteed he’ll try to meet the high-flying Edwards at the rim every time he has a chance.
“I’ll be up for the challenge. Of course, if he’s got good momentum. If I’m just a little bit late, he might be not very forgiving, but it’s fine,” Wembanyama responded when asked about Edwards wanting to put him in a poster. “I mean, over the years, I will try to block him more than he dunks on me.”
The Future Is Now
If their dynamic matchup on Sunday is any indication, it is clear that the NBA’s future is now. As of this writing, Edwards is averaging 29.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals, while Wembanyama is putting up 24.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.6 blocks.
What’s more, both of their teams are winners, with the Spurs currently second in the West at 29-13 and the Wolves fourth at 27-16. And if current trends hold up, there’s a chance fans might get to see Wemby and Ant-Man in a seven-game series.
Now, that would be must-see TV.
