For a moment, it seemed as if everything was calm. Anthony Edwards had leapt to the rafters, hoping for a sight of the rim. He got a whole lot more, as it turned out.
The Timberwolves star detonated on Jazz forward John Collins on Monday, yet another moment in a season — and career — increasingly filled with highlights.
Edwards took flight during the third quarter, eclipsing a crest-fallen Collins with ease before slamming the gleaming orb through the target with vigor.
The 22-year old is among basketball’s greatest talents, a swashbuckling bundle of speed, size, leaping ability and skillfulness the likes of which has rarely graced hardwood floors.
His latest act was among his most daring. Here’s a closer look at Edward’s jam, the leading candidate for dunk of the year.
Anthony Edwards posterizes Jazz’s John Collins
Edwards pulverized Collins in the matter of seconds, rocketing into the stratosphere after reeling in a sumptuous pass from teammate Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Collins attempted to meet him at the apex of his jump. It didn’t work out too well for him.
ANTHONY EDWARDS MY GOODNESS.
pic.twitter.com/pLr5Rze4mF
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 19, 2024
Edwards wasn’t quite able to reach the rim with his full hand. He got fairly close, though, appearing to carom his finger against the surface as he did descended from the heavens. He had to take a second to compose himself, even as a groundswell of emotions twirled around him.
In the immediate aftermath of Edwards’ jam, he looked on at the carnage that surrounded him. Kyle Anderson looked on in disbelief, almost as if he saw a ghost.
Kyle Anderson’s face says it all. Anthony Edwards is not human. pic.twitter.com/SdrfyX2tOZ
— Felipe Alvarez (@FelipeFromMiami) March 19, 2024
Alexander-Walker walked away from the scene of the crime. Monte Morris raced towards Minnesota’s midnight marauder, unsure whether to greet him with adoration or let off a look of disgust. He did both.
jumped off one just inside the ft line, no dribble and punched it on a damn near 7 footer. pic.twitter.com/9BwYSywwDJ
— Nickeil Alexander-Walker is All-Defense (@homiesloveryan) March 19, 2024
Edwards appeared to hurt his finger on the play. He returned to the floor shortly thereafter. But it left a mark in the minds of those watching on.
Status alert: Anthony Edwards (dunked the ball too hard) headed to locker room Monday.
— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) March 19, 2024
Collins was left worse for the wear as well, clutching his head underneath the basket. With the way Edwards jumped, his reaction was certainly an understandable one.
It was part of another standout showing for the Georgia product, who racked up 32 points as the T-Wolves vanquished Utah.
Edwards has racked up quite the tape over the course of his career. And yet, even he was taken aback with what had unfolded when he escaped gravity’s clutches for a fleeting moment.
Anthony Edwards reacting to his dunk on John Collins is absolutely hilarious pic.twitter.com/G2QL3FDCJt
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) March 19, 2024
