Anthony Edwards’ Foul Prompts Doris Burke to Call Out NBA’s Double Standards over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Anthony Edwards has led his Minnesota Timberwolves to fourth place in the Western Conference with a quarter of the season left.

Anthony Edwards’ Foul Prompts Doris Burke to Call Out NBA’s Double Standards over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Anthony Edwards, Doris Burke, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • Doris Burke criticized NBA officiating for perceived double standards regarding fouls called on Anthony Edwards compared to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
  • Anthony Edwards expressed confidence in facing double teams, viewing them as a sign of respect from opponents.
  • Charles Barkley warned Edwards about the implications of not listening to his coach, suggesting it could set a negative example for teammates.

Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are two promising young superstars who could take the mantle as the NBA’s next ‘Face of the NBA.’

The latter, at age 27, has already garnered an NBA championship, a Finals MVP, and the regular season MVP to his name. That gives him the edge over the 24-year-old Timberwolves superstar in this race.

However, many still consider Edwards to be the rightful heir to LeBron James‘ throne as the ‘Face of the NBA.’ His explosive playing style, clutch shot-making ability, and swagger have already made him more popular among fans.

This season, SGA is again leading the MVP race, while Edwards is barely holding on to ninth place, even though his performances have helped his Timberwolves surge up the leaderboard.

During their game against regular foe, the Denver Nuggets, the Atlanta native was again at his team-leading best. But one instance ticked off ESPN play-by-play analyst Doris Burke.

I’m gonna be honest with you, and Oklahoma City fans are going to start hating on me… How many times does Shai Gilgeous-Alexander get away with that exact kind of… I see that nightly in the NBA, and there’s no whistle.

Doris Burke said on ESPN’s broadcast

The 61-year-old was referring to a play in the third quarter when Anthony Edwards was assessed an offensive foul for using his left hand to push off Jamal Murray before taking off for a shot.

Burke, who was seemingly demoted for labeling Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a ‘foul merchant’ last season, did not bother about her credentials when calling out the obvious double standards the NBA’s officials have been showing.

Anthony Edwards embracing double teams

Anthony Edwards and his Minnesota Timberwolves have faced the Denver Nuggets both in the regular season and the playoffs. Over the years, as he has grown more confident, they have also adjusted their defensive schemes against him.

Anthony Edwards has no problem taking on double teams
Anthony Edwards has no problem taking on double teams (Image via Alan Horton/X)

It might’ve been last year when I was like, ‘Man, they double-teaming me. I don’t like it.’ At this point, it’s a sign of respect. They weren’t just double-teaming, they was hitting me from half court. I’m dribbling up finna run a play, and they sent two, so I’m not mad at all.

Anthony Edwards said

This was the Georgia Bulldog’s response when asked if he was affected by the barrage of double-team defensive schemes the Nuggets were throwing at him all game long.

It seems after struggling with it last season, the young superstar is starting to embrace it. After all, he took tips from the great Michael Jordan this offseason on how to beat double-team coverages.

Even though they did manage to slow him down to just 21 points, Anthony Edwards reiterated that he could get his teammates to support him and garnered enough points to defeat their perennial rivals.

Charles Barkley warns Anthony Edwards

While Anthony Edwards continues to impact winning and lead his Minnesota Timberwolves to fourth in the hotly contested Western Conference, his actions from their previous game against the Los Angeles Clippers did not sit well with Charles Barkley.

I think Anthony has to be careful… Anthony is a great player, but if Anthony is not gonna listen to the coach, he kind of handicaps the coach. The other players are watching like ‘You let Ant do stuff! You can’t talk to me. I did the same thing Anthony did!’ That’s the danger.

Charles Barkley said via Inside the NBA

The ‘Round Mound of Rebound’ added that even though Edwards’ game-winning shot went in, it was still a tough shot, and maybe that’s why his head coach wanted him to pass the ball.

The Hall of Famer believes that not listening to his head coach could set a precedent for Anthony Edwards’ teammates to follow. That will lead to problems in the future.

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