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Anthony Edwards’ windmill dunk was his Olympic moment in USA’s win

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3 months ago

August 6, 2024

Anthony Edwards' windmill dunk was his Olympic moment in USA's win

VILLENEUVE-D’ASCQ, France – Anthony Edwards had his Olympic second.

A crowd-pleasing, windmill dunk by Edwards within the fourth quarter towards Puerto Rico Saturday punctuated his environment friendly 26-point efficiency within the U.S. males’s basketball crew’s 104-83 victory in Group C on the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“I had already instructed KD (Kevin Durant) after the timeout, ‘Bro, if I get a break, I will windmill it,'” Edwards mentioned.

Edwards had ideas of a dangerous, extra elaborate dunk. “I wished to go between your legs, however I ain’t tried it in a minute, so I (didn’t) need to embarrass myself,” he mentioned.

He didn’t embarrass himself. “I’ve been ready. I need to dunk on any individual, however I ain’t obtained a line but, so I am glad I obtained that one,” Edwards mentioned.

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It was Edwards’ finest sport of those Video games – 14 of his factors got here within the second half because the U.S. constructed a 31-point lead and ensured it a 3-0 file in group play and the No. 1 seed headed into within the quarterfinals.

He made 11 of 15 photographs from the sphere, together with 3 for six on 3-pointers, and added three rebounds, three assists and two steals.

“It was going to be totally different each evening. Tonight was my evening,” Edwards mentioned. “The primary evening was KD, the second was Bam (Adebayo). It isn’t about getting mine. The ball was discovering me. It was swing-swing (passes), and I used to be the recipient for all these swing-swings and I used to be capable of knock it down.”

U.S. head coach Steve Kerr noticed that from Edwards on the 2023 World Cup, after which Edwards carried that over into the 2023-24 season, throughout which he grew to become an All-NBA choice for the primary time, serving to the Minnesota Timberwolves win their first playoff collection in 20 seasons.

“Anthony can rating anytime in any scenario, and so the advantage of having a man like that’s in a good scenario, you want a shot, he can get one,” Kerr mentioned. “And I believe this has been a terrific expertise for him. … The expertise is overwhelming and as he continues to discover ways to use it and be environment friendly in his play, he shall be unguardable.”

Edwards is a singular character within the NBA and on this crew. Assured. Participating. Humorous. Thoughtful. It’s a mix of character traits that makes him say issues like, “I’m nonetheless the No. 1 possibility” on Staff USA or believing that he can win some extent towards an Olympic desk tennis gamers whereas calling the game ping pong.

It’s fulfilling, and there’s no malice. It’s carried out with a fascinating smile as vivid as a miner’s lamp. The NBA goes to point out extra Timberwolves video games, and Edwards is a serious motive why. His profile will proceed to rise.

Edwards has a special position on the Olympics than he did final on the FIBA World Cup. This yr, he’s a reserve on a crew with Durant, LeBron James, Steph Curry, Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid and Jayson Tatum. Final yr, he was the main scorer for the U.S.

Though he made the remark about being the No. 1 possibility, he didn’t imply he would get extra and need extra photographs than every other participant. It was his method of expressing how a lot he believes in himself. He desires to contribute in significant methods.

He’s absorbing the worldwide basketball expertise – thrilled to be on Staff USA. “I am enjoying alongside the best gamers of all time,” Edwards mentioned.

Rising up in Atlanta, Edwards mentioned the primary NBA sport he attended was Atlanta vs. Oklahoma Metropolis when Durant performed for the Thunder. Durant grew to become his favourite participant.

“After that I watched all his video games,” Edwards mentioned. “After I was little, I wore No. 35 in basketball.”

Should you observe U.S. practices and video games, Edwards and Durant are sometimes speaking. Durant mentioned he has loved attending to know Edwards, and with Durant and Edwards each reserves in Paris, they’ve spent stable time enjoying collectively.

“It was unimaginable to look at him go to work tonight, knock down photographs, get to the rim that simply, simply play his sport,” Durant mentioned. “He had enjoyable tonight. And he ignited the entire crowd. He ignited our crew. After we see him one-on-one up prime, we see his alternative to go on the different crew and we’re swinging (him) the ball. It is enjoyable enjoying with him.”

It’s unimaginable to inform what is going to occur in future Olympics. However given Edwards’ trajectory, he might be the face of the U.S. basketball crew for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer season Video games.

“It is an honor to play on your nation and to attempt to placed on a present for the folks,” Edwards mentioned, “so I’d hope so.”

Anthony Edwards had an Olympic second Saturday. He is headed for extra.