There's a reason why Anthony Edwards was the first overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves – for moments like this against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first game of their NBA Playoff series on Saturday afternoon.
Edwards lit up the scoreboard, dropping 36 points and six assists to lead the Timberwolves in scoring, as the Wolves won the first game of their series on the road against the Grizzlies, 130-117.
Ant playoff debut:
36 PTS
4 3PT
12-23 FGThat’s tied for the 4th most points ever in a playoff debut. pic.twitter.com/2yuMXbXjgv
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 16, 2022
Not only are Edward's 36 points tied for the fourth-most points ever for a playoff debut, but it's also the most points ever scored by a Timberwolves player in their playoff debut.
Anthony Edwards will be the best two-guard in the league at some point in the future.
— Josh Eberley 🇨🇦 (@JoshEberley) April 16, 2022
Edwards is also the fourth player ever to score 36 points in a playoff game before they turn 21-years-old, joining Earvin ‘Magic' Johnson, Derrick Rose, and Tyler Herro on that exclusive list.
https://twitter.com/BradeauxNBA/status/1515458283452067841
Timberwolves Head Coach Chris Finch was asked about Edwards' stellar performance after the game, and Finch seemed less than surprised about the second-year player's memorable playoff debut performance.




“He's in a groove right now,” Finch said.
The nonchalant response does not come as much of a surprise, as Finch gave his team plenty of praise for their maturity and discipline while also wanting his group to continue to play with their personality on their chest during today's pre-game media availability.
“[They play] with a lot of swagger, lot of belief, lot of confidence,” Finch said. “That’s what you want from young players. It’s not my job to temper their behaviors coming into a big game. I want them to let it fly.”
What an incredible start to a career for Anthony Edwards.
— Andy Bailey (@AndrewDBailey) April 16, 2022
Anthony Edwards looked like the experienced MVP candidate tonight, but we know Ja will be ready game 2. You can bet your last! Carry on…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) April 16, 2022