There are certain unwritten rules in the NBA playoffs that every team and player must abide by. These rules are not just about the on-court strategies, but also about the respect and honor that comes with being a part of this prestigious league. One of these rules is to never leave shooters wide open, and the other is to never mention Michael Jordan’s lowest playoff scoring game unless someone really messed up. Well, someone did.
In Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves’ rookie Anthony Edwards found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. By halftime, he had only taken two shots, a statistic that is almost unheard of in the fast-paced and high-scoring NBA playoffs. This put him dangerously close to touching Michael Jordan’s unwanted record for the lowest scoring game in playoffs history.
For those who may not be familiar, Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. His name is synonymous with success, dominance, and greatness. He is a six-time NBA champion, a five-time MVP, and a fourteen-time All-Star. He holds numerous records, including the record for the most points scored in a single playoff game with an incredible 63 points. So, it goes without saying that any record associated with Michael Jordan is a significant one.
But there is one record that Jordan probably wishes he didn’t hold, and that is for the lowest scoring game in playoffs history. In 1997, during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat, Jordan had a disastrous game, scoring only 15 points on 6-of-19 shooting. It was a rare off-night for Jordan, who was known for his consistent and dominant performances. And now, Anthony Edwards was dangerously close to matching that record.
As the second half of the game began, all eyes were on Edwards. Would he be able to break out of his slump and avoid touching Jordan’s unwanted record? The pressure was immense, but Edwards showed incredible resilience and determination. He started attacking the Thunder’s defense, using his athleticism and skill to score 10 points in the third quarter. And in the final quarter, he exploded for 17 points, finishing the game with a total of 29 points.
Not only did Edwards avoid touching Jordan’s record, but he also helped his team secure a much-needed victory over the Thunder. It was a performance that showcased his potential and talent, and proved that he is a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. And for that, he deserves all the praise and recognition.
In an interview after the game, Edwards was asked about coming close to Jordan’s record, to which he jokingly replied, “I don’t want to be on that list at all.” But in all seriousness, Edwards knows that he has a long way to go before he can even be mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jordan. And that is the kind of humility and determination that will take him far in his career.
It is easy to forget that Edwards is only a rookie, playing in his first-ever NBA playoffs. He is still learning and growing, and there will be ups and downs along the way. But what is important is how he responds to these challenges and setbacks. And in Game 4 against the Thunder, he showed that he has the mental toughness and resilience to overcome any obstacle.
In the end, Anthony Edwards may have almost touched Michael Jordan’s unwanted record, but he also showed the world that he has what it takes to become a great player in this league. His performance was a reminder that records are meant to be broken, and with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. So, let’s not dwell on the almost, and instead celebrate the incredible performance of this young and talented player. The future is bright for Anthony Edwards, and we can’t wait to see what he has in store for us in the years to come.