Coming into the season, there was much talk about what Anthony Edwards would do for an encore after his superstar rise last year. Edwards was absolutely sensational last season, averaging a career high in points (25.4), field goal percentage (46.1), and assists (5.1).
He led the Timberwolves to their best season in over 20 years, as they reached the conference finals for only the second time in franchise history. After a highly successful offseason that included an Olympic Gold medal, the question became what steps will Edwards take in his game. About a month in, the answer is clear: efficient volume three-point shooting.
Last season, Edwards shot about seven threes per game on 36 percent shooting. He shot 41 percent on catch and shoot looks, 35 percent on corner threes and 36 percent on above the break threes. He increased his shooting output to 40 percent from three in the playoffs, to go along with 55 percent on corner threes and 39 percent on above the break threes.
This season, Edwards has upped his attempts and percentages across the board. He has almost doubled his attempts taking about 12 threes per game. He is making a blistering 45 percent of them. He is also shooting 41 percent on corner threes and 47 percent on above the break threes.
Anthony Edwards has taken his game to the next level with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The key adjustment that Edwards has made to his shooting is his base. He said recently that he tried to mold his footwork after Damian Lillard. Lillard is one of the best shooters the game has seen and that key adjustment has helped the Ant-Man.
In addition to that, Edwards spent most of the summer with Steph Curry, the NBA’s all-time three-point makes leader, at the Olympics. He said that he learned to move off the ball and become more of an effective cutter. This has led to more catch and shoot looks for Edwards off screens, as he is shooting 49 percent on those types of looks.
Edwards has clearly evolved his game and become more of a dangerous offensive weapon. With the Timberwolves losing Karl Anthony-Towns in a trade with the New York Knicks just prior to the start of the season, that left a huge shooting void in the team’s starting lineup.
Edwards has filled that role and more. Time will tell if he keeps up this hot shooting start, but this development is very encouraging for Minnesota’s chances in the West this season.