Anthony Edwards Stuns Knicks With Logo Three at MSG

Minnesota Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards (5) shoots over New York Knicks' Mikal Bridges (25) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Anthony Edwards erupted against the Knicks, hitting a deep halftime buzzer-beater as Minnesota built a third-quarter lead at Madison Square Garden.
Anthony Edwards gave Madison Square Garden a reminder of how quickly he can take over a game.
The Minnesota Timberwolves guard delivered an explosive first half against the New York Knicks on Monday, reaching 20 points before halftime and closing the second quarter with a three-pointer from near the logo as the buzzer sounded.
For a Knicks team entering the matchup after preseason losses to Philadelphia and Washington, Edwards presented an immediate defensive challenge. Minnesota, meanwhile, arrived looking for its third exhibition victory after edging Miami by one point.
With the Timberwolves leading during the third quarter, Edwards had already turned the matchup into a showcase of his scoring range.
Edwards’ Halftime Buzzer-Beater Sets the Tone
The deep three provided the defining highlight of Edwards’ opening half. It also illustrated the difficulty of defending a scorer comfortable attacking from well beyond the conventional three-point line.
That range forces defenders to make uncomfortable choices. Closing the distance can leave more room for a drive, while sitting back gives a confident shooter the opportunity to rise.
For New York, the tactical challenge was to apply pressure without creating easy routes toward the basket. Against a player capable of making such difficult shots, defensive execution can be sound and still fail to produce a stop.
The priority is limiting how often those difficult baskets are accompanied by easier opportunities.
Anthony Edwards vs Knicks: The Scoring Continues After Halftime
Edwards’ production carried into the second half. At the third-quarter snapshot, he had 26 points, five three-pointers, three rebounds and three assists in 25 minutes.
Those figures reflect an in-progress performance, rather than a final game total. Minnesota held the lead at that stage, with the outcome still undecided.
Edwards had returned after sitting out the previous preseason game against Miami alongside the rest of the starting unit. His immediate offensive impact gave the Timberwolves a strong focal point against New York.
For the Knicks, the assignment extended beyond the primary defender. Help positioning, communication and recovery all become important when a perimeter scorer is finding his rhythm.
Minnesota’s Expectations Extend Beyond Highlight Plays
At 25, Edwards is entering his seventh NBA season with increasing responsibility as one of Minnesota’s established players.
His development now includes setting standards for younger teammates and maintaining accountability alongside his scoring production. That leadership will matter as the Timberwolves pursue the franchise’s first NBA Finals appearance.
The previous season offered evidence of his offensive growth. Edwards averaged a career-high 28.8 points, along with 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.4 steals, while shooting a career-best 48.9% from the field.
Availability was a separate concern: injuries limited him to 61 appearances, the lowest total of his career. Minnesota will need both his production and sustained participation to support its ambitions.
The LaMelo Ball Partnership Adds Another Layer
The prospect of Edwards sharing the floor with LaMelo Ball gives Minnesota an intriguing combination of scoring and playmaking.
The potential lies in their ability to create different problems for a defense. Ball’s passing could help Edwards receive in advantageous positions, while Edwards’ scoring threat could draw attention that opens opportunities elsewhere.
How effectively those possibilities translate into consistent offense remains a question for the season ahead. Chemistry requires timing, clear responsibilities and good decisions when both players are involved in the same possession.
Preseason offers an early setting to begin developing those connections.
A Memorable Moment—and a Useful Test for New York
Edwards’ performance gave the Garden crowd a spectacular highlight, but it also provided the Knicks with a demanding preseason examination.
The useful takeaway for New York will be identifying which defensive possessions can be improved and which belonged to an elite scorer making difficult shots. That distinction matters when evaluating an exhibition game.
The Anthony Edwards vs Knicks matchup had already delivered its signature moment by halftime. With Minnesota ahead in the third quarter, his scoring had put New York under pressure long before the final result was settled.





