Anthony Edwards’ Speakers Cause Stir at Paycom Arena vs OKC Thunder

Anthony Edwards seemed to be in a jovial mode as usual, ahead of Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

Anthony Edwards’ Speakers Cause Stir at Paycom Arena vs OKC Thunder

Anthony Edwards has improved since last year (Image via FirstSportz)

One thing no one can ever accuse Anthony Edwards of is being bashful. The Atlanta-born NBA superstar has always worn his heart on his sleeve and speak his mind without filtering his thoughts.

This is a man who, at the age of 22, told Barack Obama ‘He’s the truth‘ with his chest. He was backed up in full by LeBron James as well, as big a co-sign as anyone can get in basketball. As well as he can be the man wowing millions of people, Edwards can be the life of any room he walks into. He has a magnetic personality and authenticity, combined with a voracious appetite to be an instigator.

This combination of talents marks him out as perhaps the most entertaining player in the league. Indeed, many people, including legends like Magic Johnson, have deemed him to be the most exciting player. Johnson also believes that Edwards and his Timberwolves will win this series and take on the New York Knicks. But for this reality to play out, the Wolves have to overcome the Thunder at least once on the road.

The Wolves travel to Oklahoma City as rank outsiders – OKC are -330 favorites to win the series. However, their home court advantage is offset a bit by the rest disadvantage OKC are playing with. They are fresh off a seven-game series against Denver, playing three road games at an elevation of 5280 feet. Despite being the youngest NBA team, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them start game 1 slower than usual.

Edwards seemed to be in an upbeat mood ahead of game 1. Instead of relying on the arena DJ, the Wolves star brought out his own speakers and used them while going through his pre-game shooting drills. His tracklist included Young Thug, Gucci Mane and other Atlanta-based hip-hop artists. This seems to be one of the ways he is equalizing the disadvantage of being on the road with.

Edwards’ confident attitude prompted a wide range of reactions from NBA fans, neutral or otherwise.

Edwards will doubtless be motivated to crack the Conference Finals hurdle at the second time of asking. He was humbled last year after showing much bravado ahead of the Mavericks series. That hasn’t stopped him from continuing to plug away at the ladder of the NBA’s best players.

Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are perceived very differently

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander enters the first Western Conference Finals series of his seven-year career. The Kentucky guard will almost certainly soon be adding the MVP trophy to his list of accomplishments. However, many NBA fans are yet to be sold about his ability to draw crowds. SGA undoubtedly has a more polished scoring game and is arguably a more effective defender.

However, SGA does not seem to possess the charisma that Edwards has displayed throughout his young NBA career. The OKC Thunder are favorites on the court, but the Wolves have the approval of public perception because of Edwards. Although this won’t be a factor for the results on the court, this dictates how the outcome will change the narrative each player has built.

Edwards and SGA both have the opportunity and the supporting cast to go all the way. Either of them can cement their legacies in NBA history with 8 more wins. But getting past each other and crafting a fascinating footnote in basketball fans’ eyes in the process is a must to get to that achievement.

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