Anthony Edwards has admitted he felt bad for defeating Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
In a panel hosted by former NBA player Jalen Rose during Fanatics Fest, Edwards and Durant appeared as special guests to speak about the previous NBA season and their Olympic gold medal run in Paris. At one point, Rose asked Edwards how he felt about eliminating Durant from the playoffs, and the Minnesota Timberwolves player expressed that he felt somewhat bad about ending their postseason run in an unexpected sweep.
"I'm not gonna lie.. I felt bad a little bit only because he's my favorite player of all time," said Edwards. I didn't want to send him home like that, but it happened."
The Minnesota Timberwolves swept the Phoenix Suns, with Edwards averaging 31 points, eight rebounds, and six assists in the series. During the series, Edwards had memorable games where he showed out against Durant.
In Game 1, Ant led an incredible third-quarter takeover. He scored 18 of his 33 points, outscored Durant 18 to 10, and hit a trio of jumpers over him while also dishing out some trash-talk. During the postgame conference, Durant claimed that Edwards was supposed to show out as he was getting hot, but in return, the two-time NBA champion claimed he had to improve.
"It's just basketball. Not even playoffs, it's just hoop," said Durant. "You get hot, you make shots, make tough shots, you're gonna feel excited about yourself. It's on me to keep coming back and showing him a tough look."
KD added, "He got it going. He made some tough ones. You just got to live with it and be better next game."
That quote didn't age well, as Edwards went off in Game 4 and put together another incredible performance. He dunked on Durant's head and scored 40 points on 11-of-15 shooting to sweep him and the Suns.