Wembanyama vs. Edwards: A Duel That’s Just Getting Started
In a game that had the feel of a playoff preview, Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama gave us a glimpse of what the next decade of NBA basketball might look like-two young stars trading buckets, trading respect, and pushing each other to be better in real time.
Edwards, still just in his mid-20s and already a three-time All-Star, exploded for a career-high 55 points in the Timberwolves’ narrow 126-123 loss to the Spurs in San Antonio. He poured in 26 of those in a scorching fourth quarter, putting on a show that had everyone in the building-and watching at home-locked in.
But Wembanyama didn’t just watch. He responded.
The Spurs’ 7-foot-5 phenom matched Edwards’ energy with 12 of his own 39 points in that same final frame, delivering clutch shots and showing once again that he’s not just a defensive juggernaut-he’s becoming a go-to option when the game tightens up.
"It's an honor and it's the best thing to have the best players go as hard as they can...it makes us better, it makes me better
— Hector Ledesma (@HectorLedesmaTV) January 18, 2026
It's a show of respect (per) standings, we are a respectable team"⬇️
-Asked Vic about Anthony Edwards saying he's the reason Ant gets up for the #Spurs pic.twitter.com/CZFcJNWgrE
“I loved it. I loved it,” Edwards said postgame, clearly energized by the one-on-one battle.
“I wish we could have just moved everybody out the way and just checked up. Me versus him.”
That comment? Wemby heard it. And he embraced it.
“It’s a show of respect and also of progress,” Wembanyama said. “Of stepping up, because now the standings make it so that we are a respectable team.”
That’s not just talk. The Spurs have been sitting in second place in the Western Conference for weeks now, riding a 29-13 record.
But they’ve dropped two games to the Timberwolves, who sit at fourth with a 27-16 mark after this latest matchup. The rivalry is real, and it’s growing.
Wembanyama, who’s already earned a runner-up nod for Defensive Player of the Year honors in just his rookie season, isn’t shying away from the spotlight-or the challenge. And he’s well aware of Edwards’ intentions.
“I know for sure-he’s just trying to dunk on everybody, so I’m not an exception,” Wembanyama said with a grin. “I’ll be up for the challenge.”
He knows the stakes. He knows the highlight reels are coming. And he’s fine with it.
“If he’s got good momentum and I’m just a little bit late, he might not be very forgiving,” Wembanyama added. “But it’s fine. Over the years, I’ll try to block him more than he dunks on me.”
That’s the mindset of a player who’s not just here to defend the rim-he’s here to define an era.
And Edwards? He’s right there with him.
The two may be young, but their games are mature beyond their years. They’re not just putting up numbers-they’re pushing each other to new heights.
Edwards said it best: “It makes me better.”
"They've got Wemby..."⬇️
— Hector Ledesma (@HectorLedesmaTV) January 18, 2026
-Asked Anthony Edwards what it is about the #Spurs that brings out some of his best
About going toe-to-toe w/Vic...
"I love it. I wish we could've just move everybody out of the way...me vs. him"
On who would win 1-1 in that scenario
"Me"
-Ant#PorVida pic.twitter.com/45Ey2TtUbi
That’s what rivalries do. They elevate the game. And if this one’s just getting started, the rest of the league-and the fans-are in for something special.