Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane vs. Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards
In the first round of the playoffs, Desmond Bane and Anthony Edwards put the world on notice that they are up next. Both players led their teams in scoring with Bane averaging nearly 24 ppg and Edwards putting up over 25 ppg. Now in their third year, I expect there to be another battle on Friday night.
In his last eight games, Bane is shooting over 53% from three while averaging 28.5 points. The former TCU Horned Frog had a rough few-game start to the season but has elevated himself quickly into the All-Star conversation. With his recent play, there are many beginning to question if the Grizzlies have the best court in the NBA.
Edwards, on the other hand, has not had the third-year leap everyone was expecting so far. At the beginning of the season, the former Georgia Bulldog was the betting favorite to win Most Improved Player, an award Ja Morant won last season. The 6’4” guard hasn’t necessarily been bad, but rather disinterested. This past week, a viral clip went around of Edwards not moving, with his hands on his hips, for an entire offensive possession. Even with his recent woes, I expect the battle between Edwards and Bane to pick up right where it left off.