Anthony Edwards became the third-youngest player in NBA history to reach 10,000 career points during the Minnesota Timberwolves' 131-122 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 24-year-old star achieved the milestone with a 13-foot midrange jumper, surpassing Kobe Bryant on the list. Edwards finished with 25 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists in the victory.
On Thursday night in Minneapolis, Anthony Edwards etched his name into NBA history during the Timberwolves' fourth straight win. With just over seven minutes left in the fourth quarter, Edwards received a pass from Naz Reid, created space against Sam Merrill, and sank a 13-foot baseline jumper. This shot marked his 10,000th career point, making him the third-youngest to reach the milestone at 24 years and 156 days old. Only LeBron James (23 years, 59 days) and Kevin Durant (24 years, 33 days) accomplished it faster, while Edwards now ranks ahead of Kobe Bryant (24 years, 195 days).
Edwards downplayed the achievement postgame, saying, "I'm kind of sick that I got it from Kobe. I wish I would have waited like 100 days or something. But it's all good." He added, "To be honest, it's cool. But I know I got a lot more to go, so it's really nothing."
The Timberwolves improved to 25-13 with the 131-122 victory, sitting 1.5 games behind the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Edwards contributed 25 points on 10-of-20 shooting, showcasing his evolving game. This season, he's averaging a career-high 29.2 points per game, shooting over 50% from the field and 40% from three for the first time.
His development includes a refined midrange shot, honed after last season's playoff struggles against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Edwards has increased paint attempts to 20.4% of his shots, converting 77.6% in that range, and boasts a 53.5% catch-and-shoot three-point percentage. Teammates like Julius Randle (28 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists), Jaden McDaniels (26 points on 11-of-14 shooting), and Donte DiVincenzo (22 points, 6-of-10 from three) also shone, with Minnesota recording 33 assists.
Coach Chris Finch praised Edwards' playmaking: "What I'm most pleased with is he's playing a great floor game. Really is." Jaden McDaniels noted Edwards' work ethic: "Each year he gets better and he adds something to his game." Randle called him "one of one" and "the best player in the league."
Edwards' milestone underscores his growth from a 2020 No. 1 draft pick with early doubts to a cornerstone for Minnesota.