In his first Olympic appearance, Anthony Edwards made a significant impact on Team USA, contributing alongside NBA veterans Kevin Durant and Steph Curry to secure the gold medal. The trio, hailed as the backbone of the team, delivered a combined 47 points in the gold medal match against France, leading the United States to a 98-81 victory. However, what should have been a moment of pure celebration was marred by an unexpected post-game drug test that left the players unable to fully enjoy their hard-earned triumph.
Ant, KD, and Steph had to be drug-tested after the Olympic final đ
(via @boardroom) pic.twitter.com/ezHKgP8EEP
â Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 20, 2024
Edwards, a rising star for the Minnesota Timberwolves, shared his experience following the gold medal win, highlighting the anticlimactic turn of events. âWe couldnât even really celebrate for real because me, (Kevin Durant), and (Steph Curry) had to take like a drug test,â Edwards revealed, capturing the surprise and disappointment that came with the timing of the test.
This revelation adds a controversial twist to what was otherwise a storybook ending for Team USA. The post-game drug test, though routine in professional sports, struck a discordant note, especially considering the high stakes and emotional weight of an Olympic victory. While the test was undoubtedly necessary for maintaining the integrity of the sport, its timing sparked debate among fans and commentators alike, who felt that it could have been delayed to allow the players to savor their moment.
Edwards’ Olympic performance was nothing short of impressive, especially given the star power surrounding him. In the gold medal game, Curry led the way with 24 points, Kevin Durant added 15, and Edwards contributed 8 crucial points. Across the tournament, Edwards averaged 12.8 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, with a remarkable shooting efficiency of 58% from the field and 48% from beyond the arc. These stats, combined with his stellar NBA season, where he posted career highs of 25.9 points, 5.1 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game, solidified Edwards as one of the leagueâs brightest young talents.
Anthony Edwardsâ Olympic success and rising NBA stardom have drawn comparisons to none other than Michael Jordan, often considered the greatest basketball player of all time. This comparison was echoed by Kevin Durant, who played alongside Edwards during the Olympics. Durant, a two-time NBA champion and former MVP, dubbed Edwards the âBaby GOATâ at a Fanatics event they attended together, a nickname that reflects the immense potential and early success of the Timberwolves star.
âMan, I call him the baby GOAT,â Durant said, underscoring his respect and admiration for Edwards. The endorsement from Durant is significant, as Edwards has often expressed his admiration for the NBA legend, making this moment a full-circle experience for the young star.
Kevin Durant on Anthony Edwards:
âMan, I call him the baby GOAT.â
(via @NBA, h/t @ClutchPoints)
â Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) August 17, 2024
The âBaby GOATâ moniker isnât just empty praise. Edwards has already demonstrated flashes of Jordan-esque brilliance, particularly in last seasonâs NBA playoffs, where he averaged 31.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 8.0 rebounds in Minnesotaâs 4-0 series sweep of Durantâs Phoenix Suns. This performance, arguably the most Jordan-like of Edwardsâ young career, solidified his reputation as one of the most dynamic and promising players in the NBA today.
Durantâs praise didnât stop with the nickname. Reflecting on how it felt to be eliminated by Edwards in the playoffs, Durant admitted that Edwardsâ performance left him with mixed feelings. âI felt a little bad,â Edwards confessed at the same Fanatics event, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of knocking out one of his idols. This candid admission highlights the respect Edwards has for Durant and the deep connection between the two stars.
As Team USA basks in the glory of its Olympic victory, the focus now shifts to the future. For Edwards, this Olympic experience is a stepping stone to what could be a Hall of Fame-worthy career. His ability to shine alongside legends like Durant and Curry in such a high-pressure environment speaks volumes about his potential to become one of the NBAâs next greats.
Yet, the unexpected post-victory drug test serves as a reminder of the strict protocols and scrutiny that come with playing at the highest levels. While some may view the timing of the test as an unfortunate footnote, others see it as a necessary measure to ensure fair play. Regardless, itâs clear that Edwards, Durant, and Curry handled the situation with the professionalism expected of elite athletes.
As Anthony Edwards continues to evolve into the âBaby GOATâ that Durant has dubbed him, the basketball world will be watching closely. His Olympic run is just the beginning, and if his trajectory continues, the comparisons to Michael Jordan may not seem so far-fetched after all.
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