WATCH: Anthony Edwards pulls off INSANE game-winning block, clashing head on the rim

The game against the Indiana Pacers sets off a 6-game road trip for the Minnesota Timberwolves, mostly against playoff teams.


WATCH: Anthony Edwards pulls off INSANE game-winning block, clashing head on the rim

Anthony Edwards jumps higher than ever to swat game-winning block (Image via Bally Sports North/X)

Tonight’s matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Indiana Pacers featured two high-flying squads led by two dynamic young superstars. A back-and-forth game was forced to be settled in the final minutes of regulation. The clutch situation required the players to step and make a big play. Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards did just that, hitting his head on the rim while batting away the game-winning block.

Though the Timberwolves were leading at the half, the Pacers rallied in the third quarter to bring the game level. The fourth quarter was an evenly matched battle. Such a scenario meant that the last few possessions would decide the game.

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The Pacers’ Aaron Nesmith drove the ball to the Timberwolves basket with 7 seconds left, launching for a layup to try and tie the game. If only Edwards did not jump to the highest point he has ever done to swat the ball away. That effort became the game-winning block as time expired.

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Edwards’ head hit the rim and the bottom part of the backboard. That is how high he jumped on that play. If not for that block, the Pacers could have tied the game, sending it to overtime. That would have given the Pacers time to regroup and probably win the game. If the Minnesota Timberwolves had lost this game, they would have relinquished their Western Conference lead.

The Nesmith layup play developed as the Pacers grabbed the rebound after Edwards missed his second free throw. Edwards’ efforts on that block and his game-high 44 points, helped the Timberwolves win the game 113-111. This game marks the first of their 6-game road series. So starting with a tone-setting win will help them down the road.

Anthony Edwards ‘never jumped that high’

Anthony Edwards knew if he did not block that shot, there is a possibility it could have turned the game around. Which is why he jumped the highest he has ever done in his life. As he confirmed while speaking with a courtside reporter;

I hit my head, I think, on the rim. It's hurting real bad, and I landed on my wrist... I knew he was going for the layup, I finit go get this. I ain't never jumped that high in my life.

It seems Edwards’ entire focus was on stopping that ball from going into their basket. Which is why he jumped as high as he could. An elite play that might further the voices calling him the future face of the NBA.

His otherworldly performance tonight was a necessity, as the Minnesota Timberwolves were without Karl Anthony-Towns. The Timberwolves would have relinquished their Western Conference lead had they lost this game. Playing elite basketball all season long is good. But playing like this without one of your best running mates is next level.

Jumping that high, hitting his head on the rim, and spraining his wrist after falling down 10 feet. All that might hurt, but it was well worth the game-winning block.

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