Anthony Edwards is making the most of his Olympic debut with the U.S. men's basketball team, impressing on the court and soaking in the experience alongside legends like Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
Anthony Edwards, the 22-year-old NBA star, is living the dream at the Tokyo Olympics. Playing alongside his idol Kevin Durant and other basketball icons, he is not only adding to his stardom but also invigorating the team with his youthful energy.
In the U.S.'s 104-83 victory over Puerto Rico, Edwards showcased his talent with a 26-point performance, eliciting praise from Durant. "It was incredible to watch him go to work," Durant said. "He knocked down shots, got to the rim with ease. He just played his game and had fun."
Edwards, the youngest player on the U.S. team, provides a refreshing burst of energy to a roster filled with seasoned veterans like Durant, Stephen Curry, and James. His explosive plays, such as the windmill dunk against Puerto Rico, have ignited not only the crowd but also his teammates.
"When we see him 1-on-1 up top, we see him with an opportunity to go at the other team – we swing him the ball," Durant said. "It's fun playing with him."
Edwards' passion extends beyond basketball, as he enjoys playing table tennis against his teammates and even attended Lily Zhang's table tennis singles match during one of the team's days off. "I'm playing alongside the greatest players of all time, and I'm able to go see ping pong," Edwards said. "I think the championship rounds are (on Sunday), if I'm not mistaken. I'm hoping. I'll be there if it is."
As the U.S. team enters the quarterfinal round, Edwards and his teammates are determined to avoid the fate of last year's World Cup team, which lost in the semifinals and third-place game. "It's the knockout rounds, and all the teams in it are really good teams," Edwards said. "They've got NBA players and compete at a high level. It's supposed to be hard."
Despite the challenges ahead, Edwards is relishing the experience of playing with the game's greatest players. He particularly enjoys his partnership with James, who is always eager to get the ball in his hands. "He loves to pass it to me and I love to catch it and shoot it," Edwards said. "I told him, if you ain't got no shot, I'll find one."
With his infectious enthusiasm and impressive performances, Anthony Edwards is not only showcasing his talent but also inspiring the U.S. men's basketball team to strive for gold in Tokyo.
