Anthony Edwards has been making waves since he stepped onto the NBA stage. With four All-Star appearances in just six seasons and two second-team All-NBA selections, his trajectory is nothing short of impressive.
Yet, like any NBA superstar, Edwards faces his share of scrutiny. One of the most persistent questions revolves around his ability to perform in clutch situations.
Despite his meteoric rise with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Edwards hasn't escaped the chatter about his "clutch gene." However, this season, he's silencing critics with a series of standout performances in high-pressure moments. His clutch-time heroics have not only elevated his status but also earned him the MVP at the recent All-Star Game.
This season marks a significant departure from Edwards' previous clutch-time performances. He's on track to achieve a personal best in scoring and efficiency, showcasing a remarkable evolution in his game.
In his early years, Edwards often deferred to teammates like Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell during critical moments. In his first two seasons, Edwards' clutch stats reflected his role, with usage rates trailing behind Towns and Russell.
As Edwards honed his scoring abilities, his role in clutch situations expanded. The trade of Russell during the 2022-23 season opened up more opportunities for Edwards to shine. With Russell's departure, Edwards' usage in clutch moments surged, indicating a shift in the Timberwolves' strategy to prioritize him as their go-to player.
Edwards' growth is evident in his increased comfort with the ball during crunch time, his development as a playmaker, and his improved three-point shooting. His true shooting percentage in clutch situations has also seen a notable rise.
Last season, Edwards' impressive point total was part of a Timberwolves squad that led the league in clutch games. His true shooting percentage jumped to 58%, but this season, his numbers have reached new heights, making it challenging to fully gauge his clutch performance.
In 19 clutch games this season, Edwards is shooting an astonishing 59.2% from the field, with a true shooting percentage of 69.6%. While these figures may not be sustainable, they underscore his transformation into a top-tier end-of-game scorer.
Despite the small sample size of clutch minutes, Edwards has firmly established himself among the NBA's elite in terms of scoring and efficiency during critical moments. His remarkable season has made him the favorite for the Clutch Player of the Year award on betting platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings.
While the award may not redefine his legacy, it would mark a significant milestone for Edwards, affirming his ability to deliver in high-stakes situations. This season, Anthony Edwards is poised to conquer one of his biggest critiques, solidifying his place as one of the league's premier clutch performers.