Anthony Edwards Joins Kobe Bryant On Exclusive NBA List

Anthony Edwards made NBA history during Game 1.

Dec 30, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) smiles / Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

On Saturday evening, Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves faced off against the Denver Nuggets in Colorado for Game 1 of their second-round playoff series.

The game was an absolute thriller, and the Timberwolves won by a score of 106-99.

Edwards was incredible, and finished the victory with 43 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal and two blocks while shooting 17/29 from the field and 3/7 from the three-point range in 42 minutes of playing time.

He also made NBA history by joining Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant on an exclusive list.

Via NBA History: "Anthony Edwards joins Kobe Bryant as the only players 22 years old or younger to score 40 points in back-to-back playoff games!"

Anthony Edwards joins Kobe Bryant as the only players 22 years old or younger to score 40 points in back-to-back playoff games!#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google Pixel pic.twitter.com/OEPwZCD6Vh

— NBA History (@NBAHistory) May 5, 2024

The Timberwolves swept the Phoenix Suns in the first round.

In Game 4, Edwards had 40 points, nine rebounds, six assists, one steal and two blocks while shooting 13/23 from the field and 7/13 from the three-point range in 41 minutes of playing time.

He is arguably the best shooting guard in the NBA and a top-15 player in the league.

A career night for Anthony Edwards in Game 1 ‼️

🐺 43 PTS (playoff career high)
🐺 17-29 FGM
🐺 7 REB
🐺 1-0 series lead

The 2nd player 22 years old or younger to score 40+ in back-to-back playoff games (Kobe Bryant).#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google Pixel pic.twitter.com/viVBSNZpNt

— NBA (@NBA) May 5, 2024

The Timberwolves are the third seed in the Western Conference and had a 56-26 record.

They are in the NBA playoffs for the third straight season, but this is their first time in the second round (in that span).

May 4, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) / Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Game 2 of the series will be on Monday evening (also in Denver).

The Timberwolves have gone 29-15 in the 44 games they have played on the road.

Whoever wins the series will advance to the Western Conference Finals.