Anthony Edwards has never been one to back down from a challenge. Whether it’s taking the last shot, guarding the opponent’s best player, or handling the media spotlight, “Ant” brings the same blend of confidence and charisma every time. So when reporters brought up the fact that many analysts and fans were picking the Los Angeles Lakers to win their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Ant didn’t flinch. In fact, he embraced the underdog narrative—and then flipped it on its head.
“Let ’em pick the Lakers,” Ant said with a smirk, leaning back in his chair at the post-practice presser. “We don’t care about none of that. We know who we are, and we know what we’re capable of. They can sleep on us if they want to.”
It’s classic Ant. The 22-year-old guard, now in his fourth season, has become the heartbeat of this Timberwolves squad—an electric scorer, a passionate defender, and the emotional leader of a young, hungry team trying to shake off years of irrelevance. And while the Lakers come into the matchup with all the glitz, glamour, and legacy of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Edwards believes the Wolves are more than ready for the moment.
“We’re not scared of no names. Respect to them, for sure. Bron’s a legend, AD is a monster. But we lace ‘em up just like they do. When that ball goes up, none of the talk matters.”
There’s been plenty of talk. Pundits have pointed to the Lakers’ experience, their late-season push, and their championship pedigree as reasons they’ll handle Minnesota with ease. But what those same pundits often overlook is just how far the Timberwolves have come.
Led by Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, and a supporting cast that includes Mike Conley and Jaden McDaniels, the Wolves have shown serious growth. Their defense is stingier, their offense more balanced, and their chemistry more evident than in years past. Still, being picked against seems to fuel them.
“It’s kind of funny, honestly,” Edwards continued. “All year, we’ve been proving people wrong. And now they’re doing it again. It’s like, how many times we gotta show y’all?”
That chip on their shoulder has defined the Timberwolves this season. They’ve overcome injuries, midseason slumps, and the ever-changing landscape of the Western Conference. Through it all, Ant has emerged as a superstar—not just in stats, but in swagger.
“He’s got that dawg in him,” Towns said in a separate interview. “He loves these moments. And we all feed off that energy.”
And Edwards has made it clear: this isn’t just about proving doubters wrong. It’s about setting a new standard in Minnesota. He wants to bring a winning culture, not just for this series, but for seasons to come.
“We’re trying to build something real here. Not just one good playoff run. We want to win. We want to be feared. And that starts now.”
Whether or not the Wolves take down the Lakers in this highly anticipated matchup remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Anthony Edwards isn’t backing down from the spotlight. He’s charging straight into it, full of fire, confidence, and belief in his squad.
“You can pick whoever you want,” he said with one final grin. “Just don’t be surprised when we’re the ones still standing.”
