For the second consecutive summer, Anthony Edwards is donning the Team USA jersey in international competition, this time with the 2024 Summer Olympics. As the knockout stage looms, Edwards has shared his thoughts on the highly anticipated face-off against one of his NBA teammates, Rudy Gobert. Both players represent the Minnesota Timberwolves, but in this tournament, they find themselves on opposing sides.
Rudy Gobert, a pivotal player for the French national team, stands as a formidable adversary for Team USA. France, the host country this year, is widely regarded as one of the top contenders to challenge the American squad’s dominance. The anticipation for the matchup has been building since last season when Edwards and Gobert began their friendly yet competitive banter.
“I talked to [Gobert] when I first got here, but we are competing against each other,” Edwards revealed. “We ain’t talking. He knows I want to [play against him]. It means a lot [for him]. He loves playing every year for France. He looks forward to it.”
Edwards further commented on the ongoing trash talk, which began midseason and has only intensified as the Olympics approached. “Midseason we were talking trash to each other. I am looking forward to playing against France,” he added with a smile.
The competition heats up on Tuesday as Team USA is set to face Brazil in the quarter-finals. On the same day, Gobert and France will tackle a challenging opponent in Canada, setting the stage for a dramatic day of basketball.
Throughout the tournament, Anthony Edwards has continued to showcase his skills, albeit in a different role compared to his stint in the FIBA World Cup last summer. As the focal point of Team USA’s offense back then, Edwards carried a significant load. In the 2024 Olympics, while sharing the court with legendary players like LeBron James and Kevin Durant, he has adapted to a complementary yet impactful role.
During the Group Phase round, Edwards averaged 16.7 points, three rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. His journey in the Olympics began with a modest 11 points in the opening game against Serbia. However, he quickly found his rhythm, scoring 13 points in a commanding victory over South Sudan.
Edwards’ performance has steadily improved with each game, culminating in a standout display against Puerto Rico. He exploded for 26 points, shooting an impressive 11-for-15 from the field. This surge in form highlights his ability to be a game-changer, particularly coming off the bench as a microwave scorer, providing a crucial spark for Steve Kerr’s team.
Edwards’ contributions off the bench have been a key factor in Team USA’s success. His ability to maintain and even elevate the team’s momentum when the starters take a breather has made the United States a difficult team to contend with. As the knockout stage begins, every game becomes a do-or-die scenario, and Edwards’ role will be even more critical.
The story of Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert provides a fascinating narrative within the broader context of the Olympics. It underscores the personal and competitive dynamics that add depth to international sports competitions. The friendly rivalry between Edwards and Gobert exemplifies the spirit of the Olympics, where camaraderie and competition go hand in hand.
Edwards’ adaptability and performance under different roles also speak volumes about his growth as a player. Sharing the court with veterans like James and Durant, he has demonstrated maturity and the ability to shine in a supporting role, which bodes well for his future in both the NBA and international play.
As the knockout stage progresses, fans will undoubtedly be glued to their screens, eager to see if Edwards can continue his hot streak and help lead Team USA to another gold medal. His journey in the Olympics serves as a testament to his talent and determination, and it will be thrilling to see how it unfolds.
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