The Wolves Sweep! What Now for the Phoenix Suns? | The Bill Simmons Podcast

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss Anthony Edwards and the Wolves sweeping the Suns.
For more from The Ringer:
Shop: theringer.com/shop
Website: theringer.com
Twitter: / ringer
Facebook: / ringer
Instagram: / ringer
The Ringer on KZbin: / theringer

[@navidb]

Ant is 3 years younger than SGA/Luka, 2 years younger than Haliburton. Scary potential here

[@cam8868]

Halliburton isn’t in the same conversation. No need to even mention him

[@emilfrederiksen.1622]

Haliburton is not in the Convo with SGA and Luka and Ant.

[@sg-duwap_yt8209]

There’s no guarantee that he will get way better than he is now.

[@user-bo4wq5hx8s]

Haliburton sucks ass

[@heatgrimm8664]

@@sg-duwap_yt8209yeah no chance a young superstar develops into something even better. Take your goofy ass outta here

[@daryld149]

“Shawn Kemp ‘I wanna insult your family’-type dunks.” Love that quote.

[@jamesgorham8170]

🔥🐺

[@fortynights1513]

Should Kemp be Hall of Fame?

[@nocturne311]

@@fortynights1513No. Loved him though.

[@daryld149]

@@fortynights1513 As fun as Kemp was to watch (with the Sonics particularly), his career stats doesn’t really qualify him for it IMO.

[@Hilltopperpete]

@@fortynights1513 maybe if Seattle decided not to lowball him and he won a title there. Going to Cleveland and doing nothing there? Definitely not HOF-worthy. He won a total of 4 more playoff games after leaving Seattle, though he did make like 85% of his career earnings, so it was definitely the right decision. And the Sonics won 4 more games the next season after trading him for Vin Baker (57 wins to 61 wins). He never finished higher than 5th in any individual stat, he made 3 All-NBA Second Teams, and was an All-Star 6 times. Wonderful career, just not HOF-worthy. Kind of like Al Horford, with slightly higher highs and much lower lows. He also didn't qualify academically to play College Basketball- so no potential HOF points there. But some of his dunks were definitely HOF-worthy, if there was a disrespectful dunks wing of the HOF, he would definitely be in there, just not for the totality of his career. For Comparison, Gary Payton won an NBA title and was a 9x All Star, 9x All-NBA, 9x All-Defense, and DPOY.

[@everjeffreyr]

“Leads the league in weirdness per 36” 😆

[@drjcup3228]

😂

[@Peroriperora]

😂😂😂

[@johndebono1870]

To KAT's credit, I don't think a lot of players would be ok to play 2nd option, but he seems really happy and comfortable to be a team first guy (Plus shooting 51/42/87 on a 57 win team is nothing to scoff at).

[@JaythanRodriguez]

One of my favorite advanced stats 😂

[@David-iv6je]

"Is that on Basketball reference?" I went to college in MN and for the last two years I've been telling a college friend these guys were going to contend. I'd keep saying the only thing to stop them would be Kat being too KAT-ish. Those dumbass fouls the last two games were classic examples. Dude has a couple screws loose. Thank God they've got Conley to offset KAT and Gobert (also weird, as in most people don't like him)

[@manuginobilisbaldspot2]

“They got KD, but we got Jaden McDaniels” is shaping up to be an all time NBA quote.

[@mattleblanc4022]

Thats nonsense. Basketball is not 1 vs 1. Have you ever play team sport? KD was good, definitely not problem

[@dumbguy6843]

It's a great quote!🎉

[@skoolynugenator1802]

Funny thing is he said that a year ago and now it’s picking up steam.

[@justinhensley8900]

​@@mattleblanc4022 Still lost. In 4. Convincingly.

[@ollytropics1735]

​@@mattleblanc4022 kd definitely wasn't helping dude was not helping playmake for his team at all

[@slow_Jo]

ANT is built like a tank....he rolls both ankles on Bradley's stupid feet, shakes them both off, and continues to dominate the game on both ends of the floor. He's made everyone question Booker's status, made KD think about joining a new team, and made Beal thankful to his agent for getting him a massive contract 🤣

[@Shortballa11]

Only players ive consistently see do that are Lebron and Giannis. Rolled ankles, hyper-extended knees and come back like nothing happened.

[@CorePathway]

He got a week to heal up now.

[@nocturne311]

@@Shortballa11 Kobe.

[@scalwi]

I hope that continues through his prime, but i fear his ankles won't still respond like that when he's 27-30. Hope I'm wrong, though, cause no one is more fun to watch (except Wemby, but that sometimes feels like watching a circus)

[@WaveRider1989]

​@scalwi he does have shorter carreer then lebron and KD even but hopefully the 12 years will be great.

[@Hoopculture24]

Ant got THAT aura.

[@jamesgorham8170]

Big time

[@razkable]

Young kobe young wade young mj like

[@nocturne311]

@@razkableCall me crazy, and this guy was Jordan’s original idol, but I’m an older guy and Edwards reminds me more of a bigger David Thompson with a three-point shot.

[@jasonl7937]

⁠@@nocturne311that’s interesting because I’ve heard MJ say he patented his game after David Thompson.

[@scandelez]

GOHD

[@jamesgorham8170]

It's good to live in Minneapolis. Town's buzzing.Wolves are legit. Baby Jordan is the bomb!

[@215Legend]

Cold asf tho

[@626lifeaa]

Said no one ever

[@clutchbeyers]

Minneapolis is the bomb! Already had the live music, had the restaurants....and now we have legit sports teams. I love Minny!

[@irahazemusic]

Say Shhh 🫢mpls don't need the hype real ones know

[@charleybarley914]

downtown is gonna be a party until June

[@TRON0314]

Rudy hitting ALL OF HIS FREETHROWS though. Impressive.

[@noahwelch2931]

Still waiting for Gobert to be played off the court.

[@mindyourbuisness8104]

He won't be played off the court but Jokic will dominate him again and the wolves offense will look terrible again when they play a defense with their size and can't rely on offensive rebounds and transition

[@scandelez]

🎯 🎯

[@noahwelch2931]

@@mindyourbuisness8104 Gobert won’t guard Jokic.

[@haakonlien7107]

@@mindyourbuisness8104KAT will guard jokic

[@thefspjones9537]

​@@mindyourbuisness8104Tell me one defensive player that Jokic hasn't dominated, take your time.

[@AndreInThe416]

Start the Gobert apology tour. He needs teammates that rotate properly and Twolves do that.

[@charleybarley914]

Jaden, Ant Naw,Kat(yes even Kat) etcet...Rudy had nothing romotely close to this surrounding him in Utah. A healthy mobile Gobert and this Wolves roster is high level defense. And he's set the work and effort standard every game from November.

[@michaelahurt]

No intelligent basketball people questioned Gobert’s defense. That was only Twitter casuals. Anyone who pays attention has spent the last 4-5 years defending Gobert’s defense The criticism about Rudy was you could guard him with Nassir Little, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Josh Okogie, Royce O’Neale and Eric Gordon and he couldn’t punish that matchup on offense. Which is still true. It’s exactly what Phoenix did.

[@mackmpls]

And Rudy only averaged 15ppg on 62% shooting in 4 consecutive easy wins. So brilliant move by Phoenix, no notes. 🙄

[@Shortballa11]

@@michaelahurt Nah Gobert was rlly questionable last year. Even his own teammates were questioning in, LITERALLY. Bt it was due to being hurt all year. So it was valid to wonder if we would ever see the old Gobert again.

[@karlanthonymargate7362]

​@michaelahurt the observation that he doesn't pinscher small ball line up is true only in so far as he doesn't score 25-30 on those smaller guys...he did punish the suns on the offensive boards. I think he got like 5 in some of those games

[@michaelcollins3384]

If you guys wrote a children's book called "How the Charismatic Ant Befriended the Lonely Kat" you'd sell a million copies in Minnesota alone. Just saying.

[@ineedsaltplease620]

Ryen loves Ant because he loves the way Ant makes him feel about himself

[@scandelez]

Lmao I don’t agree with this but it makes me laugh. I actually say this about why women will die for Beyoncé. It’s not her music/dancing/whatever, it’s how she makes them feel about themselves when they listen. It’s a superpower

[@Seven9_exchange]

ANT makes NBA basketball so fun for everyone. People who are not even Timberwolves fans are so giddy about it. It's awesome to see.

[@TheSpotRocker]

I been in this stupid ass state my whole life. All I’ve gotten was 98 Vikings and 90’s Twins and now this. Thank you 🙏🏼, good lookin out Universe. 😉

[@scandelez]

Might wanna knock on some wood there my friend

[@chueyang7360]

I shotgun on that. Finally something to actually hyped about 😂

[@nocturne311]

1991 North Stars? 2004 Timberwolves?

[@at0mly]

Don't remind me of the 98 Vikings, I was at that NFC Championship Game. I really think these Timberwolves could go all the way, though. They don't feel like they'll collapse the way so many Minnesota teams seem to.

[@aytoozee6759]

Hey, this state is great in almost all other aspects. The price we pay for that is sports misery, lol.

[@Calinks]

There was a fierce debate between Edwards and Lamelo Ball. Man the Wolves mad the right choice going Edwards. Ball is a fine player but this is the guy they needed 1000 percent!

[@TheRulersBack18]

man, considering the timberwolves' history, that is a HISTORICALLY GREAT pick, wow, didn't even think of that part. imagine if they go wiseman instead, thinking they need a big to pair with towns. my goodness

[@WaveRider1989]

Omg thank God. I had no idea who's who until now

[@lukelee3]

The ball family is made of dust. They're talented though. Unfortunate.

[@Hunter_s_morrison]

Ant became my favorite player. .in the summer... he called jalen Jackson jr.... Ant was going for a dunk in practice triple j didn't contest and he said You defense player of the year dont be a bitch.. he became my favorite player..

[@Peroriperora]

This duo is quietly becoming a classic… 👌🏻 Talking about Bill & Ryen ☺️

[@druzo26]

They already are! They're the pioneers of sports podcast game!

[@TheMickaelD]

Such a joy to listen to! Great voices, great takes, real deep knowledge

[@justinlanders2672]

"There is a spirit to him that the league really needs." THIS. It's supposed to be a competition!

[@MattParry-yl8su]

Can you imagine Stern being the commisioner while Edwards made that hip thrusting celebration the other night?

[@colinrevere6270]

Where is Bill's apology about the "worst trade in NBA history"? Wolves are on a mission to win it all to spite the media like yours and the nay sayers

[@TheVikingbk]

I'm one of those guys who was a Rudy hater. Not so much anymore and I apologize to Rudy but it's still painful to watch him handle a basketball. Gotta be about the worst hands....yikes

[@michaelahurt]

Win a title first I know you guys aren’t used to this like at all but it it’s one playoff series and y’all are acting like you did something. Lol

[@kevinkarsnia109]

@@michaelahurt You obviously don’t understand how terrible it’s been as a Timberwolves fan. No national respect really ever and we have an really good team with a superstar player. If the Lakers had swept the Suns with 3 HOF players everyone would be slobbing their knob.

[@michaelahurt]

@@kevinkarsnia109 This entire video is two national media fighting over themselves to verbally fellate Anthony Edwards You are *getting* the Lakers treatment. Lol Enjoy the win but don't expect apologies for the Gobert trade unless you win a title

[@Shortballa11]

@@TheVikingbk hahaha very true. he plays so hard but every time he catches the ball I get very nervous. Even his layups look like a high schooler.

[@jamesgorham8170]

This is a great episode.

[@snarkmark2806]

Shoutout to the Snell cardio!

[@Twp0.]

That look when he said “ if we had a kid” lolol

[@xavierb9061]

Last year bill said gobert trade was dumbest trade ever. Wolves only won 1 game. Year later look. Suns same situation.

[@ohtrashcannoob]

He was talking about their future. Yeah everyone knew it was gonna make them a good team

[@johnnycash8567]

@Los_Jefethey still gave up too many picks but the difference is they have the elite perimeter defenders to protect Rudy on switches, on Utah he would get left on an island and get “exposed” in the playoffs

[@discowolf25]

@@johnnycash8567nah, fk those picks.

[@lovejoy131]

Very different. First Pat Bev got traded before season who was their glue guy in 21/22 so this would already impact chemistry. KAT only played 28 regular season games so there chemistry was low. Then a series of events caused there chemistry to plummet, DLO getting traded at the deadline so having to implement a new point guard mid season, Jaden Mcdaniels missing the playoffs after punching a wall and Gobert and Kyle Anderson having a fight on the last regular season game. Not to even mention their best player was 21 YEARS OLD last season.

[@Woody13woodpecker]

99%+ of basketball fans thought it was stupid trade, myself included, but Tim Connelly knew better. Minnesota needed Gobert if they were to stand a realistic chance of beating the tall Nuggets, and they actually stand a chance. It will be a great series, too bad it isn't in the WCF, so more people would watch the two best playoff teams presently. P. S. Sorry Celtics fans, your team has the most talent wise, but that doesn't mean much when push comes to shove.

[@discowolf25]

So, the Rudy trade is still the worst thing that ever happened to us right? 🤣

[@michaelahurt]

Let’s talk in 5 years Winning one playoff series doesn’t make it a good trade. That was happen with or without Gobert

[@mackmpls]

Sets alert to comment in 2029…. Hahaha, sure pal.

[@discowolf25]

@@michaelahurt You have zero idea what being a wolves fan is like 🤣

[@discowolf25]

@@mackmpls 👁🌲👁👊

[@Edd-zd5wb]

@@michaelahurt 5 years?

[@TrahNO2]

God, I love listening to these two riff. Almost as much as I enjoy the games themselves.

[@charleybarley914]

Ants last 4 games may be a future espn 30on30 "Watch a superstar introducing himself to the world" episode.

[@markkaasha2111]

😒😒....pump the breaks with superstar apology......young fella....he is a star with superstar potential .....plus let him win and grow fast because you will be the first people to put him down if he doesn't archieve early...

[@suprcrzy]

All this because they swept a suns team that's falling apart. Enjoy it, because y'all are in for a rude awakening next series...

[@nocturne311]

@@suprcrzy Better worry about the Clippers instead of telling other fans their teams are in trouble. Lol.

[@suprcrzy]

@@nocturne311 lol we're playing a real team. I know we have our hands full. The suns are an absolute mess, and the Wolves took advantage. Congrats. But I'm gonna lmao if y'all get swept by Denver. That reality check will be priceless 😂

[@justinhensley8900]

​@@suprcrzyWolves would beat the Clippers in 4. Easily.

[@cmgorman72]

Almost heard them say the Gobert trade was a win for MIN. Maybe after next round

[@iTuber012]

Edwards is everything the media tried to make us believe Booker was..... Wow I'm impressed with him. I fully understand the Kobe MJ comparison now.... He's that good. He has all the basketball skill AND the alpha dog mentality. He might quickly be my new favorite player in a league which seems to be overrun with Booker types(talented but soft, and always trying to get calls and be a free throw merchant) Honestly it's the same reason I've never really warmed to LeBron... Something about his personality was "missing" for me... He has all the talent but, yeah

[@michaelahurt]

Umm … I don’t think anyone ever thought Devin Booker was a Michael Jordan/Dwyane Wade level athlete

[@TheRulersBack18]

@@michaelahurt that person is also trying to (obliquely) call lebron soft and imply he fishes for calls...they're not living in reality. not to mention booker got to an effing finals lol, he's a pretty damn good player

[@stevenswayze]

I remember starkly Bill writing and talking alot about Durant and how special he was going to be, how unguardable his shot is, I remember that analysis like it was said last week. I have always been a fan of KD since, hes been every bit as good as Bill thought but even then still a little bit of a let down with his enigmatic nature. To see Bill watching Edwards become the man in real time and enjoy that, AGAINST that guy I still very much remember for Bill's take on him 20 years ago. Makes me feel Old for starters, also a little bit sad for KD, but then there is that new sun rising, a whole new era. A lot to be happy about.

[@dcwayne4591]

KD has never been that guy, at some point the false narrative had to change. He almost had all the glory, but that toe was on the line. Some say it was basketball karma 😂

[@rickcasedrinksbud]

Dude same here. I’ve been a fan of Bill Simmons since the early 00s. I remember him talking up Durant. Almost 20 yrs ago. Father Time stays undefeated.

[@stevenswayze]

Yeah this video talking about Ant and stuff, and realizing Durant was the old guy riding into the sunset, and I was just like... "where did those 18 years go!?" I still just think of Lebron and KD and kids who just came out of High School last year.

[@ProMikus]

@@dcwayne4591 hes always been that guy lol, he was outscoring lebron at 23 in nba finals, y'all are braindead

[@missayawk]

I wanna thank you guys for having a friendly peaceful conversation about basketball. Sometimes the screaming and antics become too much. I just want to hear clear cut respectful comments.Thanks guys.

[@sheldonong7648]

“We’ll see if he stays” 😂

[@Kagemusha08]

Russ' face when Bill was on his "Let's look at our baby grow up!" ramble lmao

[@thebigwagyu]

It’s his leadership that really sets him apart. Other guys might be that way in the locker room, but Ant’s confidence is infectious and that’s where you start going from a star to a superstar.

[@JamesBuschell]

Look at the proud papas

[@CoolTy23]

Greatest “Bus Rider” of All Time

[@ucheakusobi6281]

That would probably be scottie pippen. KD isnt the best anything of all time

[@ProMikus]

@@ucheakusobi6281 rofl kd clears pippen haters gonna hate

[@mackmpls]

I thought the OP was talking about Bill gushing about the Wolves. “I’ve believed in the Wolves for 6 weeks and only 1 of those weeks, I loudly didn’t believe. Look how smart I am.”

[@mindyourbuisness8104]

​@ProMikus kd clearly ain't a one and I'd rather have scottie as my 2 than KD.

[@ProMikus]

@@mindyourbuisness8104 yes 36 y/o kd aint a one gj sherlock

[@brianjauhiainen3954]

Another fabulous 👌 analysis

[@MrKevCarlson]

It's not about his skills. His maturity and leadership ability at young age are next level.

[@ucheakusobi6281]

It's not that KD is declining, he's always been this type of player...Bunch of scoring but what real game impact? It's easy to make it seem like you have impact when you have a 73-9 team on your back..

[@charleybarley914]

KD can still play championship winning ball givien the right role and team.

[@0l3g]

When he was on OKC they went to the finals once and 4 conference finals in a 5 year span....

[@ucheakusobi6281]

@@0l3g Had westbrook, Harden, Ibaka in those years

[@SomeChink]

KD IS declining, he does a lot more ball-watching than he did when he was younger

[@island_dancer]

@@charleybarley914 for sure. He is still an awesome player but post GSW he keeps gravitating towards teams I would describe as "the world's most expensive pickup group". He seems to like playing with friends and playing hoops with hoopers but its never going to win against any structured team. And he is never happy when he isn't winning. At some point something has to give.

[@ucheakusobi6281]

Being a great scorer doesnt make you a great player. Media tried to fool us on KD...

[@jjmcg9688]

MN fan. Ant’s EQ is a superpower. The big thing this year is two parts, 1 his intelligence from committing to watching film like a QB. He is becoming the best prepared for study. Next hood pivot moves from the mid range. Two years ago he added the euro.

[@johntashjian9830]

Is Russillo taping this in a catering kitchen? how many ovens does this guy have?!

[@carter5377]

As a biased MN fan, i loved seeing we were matching up with Phoenix and Denver. Teams win championships by building to beat the current champs, and I believe our team matches up great against Denver. Especially with Denver not shooting many 3s and relying on their inside scoring more than last year. We took a game from them without McDaniels and Reid last year. I think we have a shot to make it to the Western conference finals, and obviously, the finals, if we get past Denver.

[@mccm333]

The Suns mistake was thinking the window was multiple years. This was the best year, they needed to keep Paul and DA and give it a try with a new coach. The new stars were coming up and KD getting older. Every other future year was always going to be tough to predict. The one positive that I will like going forward from the DA trade though was Grayson.

[@michaelahurt]

Chris was cooked. Getting off him was the right move Idk that Beal was the right replacement - especially without renegotiating his no trade clause - but once you did that, Nurkic made more sense with this group than DA The problem the whole time was they were just too small. I like the top 7 but 5 of them are 6’5” or under

[@vanslang5385]

Edwards reminds of a young Wade who at the time reminded me of a young MJ🤔😎

[@TheRulersBack18]

it's tough for phoenix. not only do you have okc and the wolves rising, you have denver solidly in their prime, and everyone's forgetting about the memphis grizzlies, who had the season from hell but still have 2 all-star level players and an all-nba level player. then you still have dallas, new orleans, and sacramento, any of which can be a threat. really tough!

[@eliasposey1889]

Been waiting too hear this one

[@samwisegamgee1635]

Bill saying SGA is higher on his League Pass list than Ant a month ago is still insane

[@Iconoblasto]

I'm a fan of THE LEAGUE, and I cheer for greatness everywhere. Seeing Ant rise to the top is really fun. Nuggets-Wolves is going to be a battle! Alas, I'm also a Grizzlies fan, and Ant's rise has taken place in Ja's absence. "What could have been..." Rooting for Ja's return to form with a healthy Grizzlies team.

[@johnshottie4415]

After that Wolves Grizzlies series I was super pumped to watch Ant and Ja go at each other for the next couple years. Hope Ja gets healthy and stays on the right path. Two most exciting players in the league to watch.

[@Iconoblasto]

@@johnshottie4415 cheers!

[@dio5731]

Let’s let Ant be Ant I think the worst think in sports is the player comps, because there’s a rational way of doing it that is almost never done

[@donjohn7709]

Remind me what ya'll said about the Rudy trade again?

[@michaelahurt]

Calm down. It’s one playoff series. If they don’t win a title and Ant leaves after his extension that trade is a disaster No one said it was a bad trade because Minnesota would never win 50 games with Rudy or never win a playoff series

[@bossaudio12]

​@michaelahurt stay insecure, the trade was good for both parties.

[@emilfrederiksen.1622]

@@michaelahurt Well yeah multiple people said that.

[@mackmpls]

@@michaelahurtnice moving the goalposts. That is precisely people said. Did you actually raise a concern about Ant leaving the Wolves after 2029?!?! Okay. I won’t hold my breath.

[@michaelahurt]

@@mackmpls Most players aren't ready to contender until 25 at earliest so you should build a team to peak then, usually as that second extension is kicking in. That's the lesson of LeBron. Don't put a bunch of 35 year olds around your star until he's actually in his prime because if you don't win -- and you probably won't -- he's gonna look around and be like WTF is the plan here? We're capped out and these dudes are old AF. Let me go to Miami or LA and play with Evan Mobley Although McDaniels, NAW, and Naz all hitting is so huge for them. Cleveland obviously didn't hit on their role guys like that. Although in for a penny in for a pound -- I'd look at trading KAT for KD and just pushing all my chips in because I think Ant is close enough. He's very Wade-like and Wade was 24

[@michaelstover6778]

Dude is awesome,, let’s chill a bit though suns d is completely trash

[@bryanttisdale2446]

Why cause Beal pulled out his Washington Wizards card ..and showed you what he learned there 😅😂😅!

[@user-vj5pc5ru2y]

Why chill ant averages 30 in the playoffs every casual is just now noticing and telling people to chill. No

[@OldRage]

Nikola Jokic is by far the best player in the league but Anthony Edwards will be the face of the league when LeBron James retires. Ant have the athleticism, charisma, skill and swag with a great smile.

[@elliottsmith7530]

"did he even get to ten points?!"😭 "he had 9 points, 2 assists, 1 rebound, he was 4 for 13, had 6 turnovers, and he fouled out....... Other than that, pretty good game"😭 "they were like SUPER turnovers!"😭 bruh I am FROM St Louis and im HOWLING!!!!

[@Cultivated.]

As a wolves fan Bill comparing this AMAZING ant game to LBJ Detroit special is criminal, LBJ was the guy from day 1, that’s one of the all time performances, this was a great game and great series virtually nobody will remember in 10 years

[@nocturne311]

Agreed and I’m not a LeBron fan. If the 2007 Cavaliers had Towns, Gobert and Conley, they probably would have defeated the Spurs in the Finals.

[@jasonl7937]

Bill is weird with Lebron. He is almost trying to change a narrative with Lebron. He had a take where he tried to compare Golden State and the Cavs in the championship based on salaries and said the teams were equal. Lebron was firmly in control as the leader on that team before that Detroit series.

[@mindyourbuisness8104]

Ya that was crazy but russilo checked him on it immediately

[@Shortballa11]

If Ant becomes who we think he is this will absolutely be remembered!. This will be similar to the game that Steph turned into Steph. Halfcourt gamewinner vs ironically KD.

[@skoljeff554]

Disagree, Ant and the Wolves had never done anything in the playoffs. Their entire regular season, the post season was looming over it "do it in the playoffs". Ant's first playoff win being over his idol KD, with a monstrous dunk over KD to close it was very memorable. It wasn't that they won a series, it was who they beat and how they beat them. It was Ant's arrival in the national stage

[@davidhensley7422]

Good see ant one of the most dominant nba players have that mamba mentality i really thought it would be much longer before we would see that again

[@eriklakeland3857]

I’d be surprised if Durant hasn’t requested a trade from Phoenix midway through next season. He’s worse than LeGM at this point

[@BloomsArchitect]

He has the talent, the skill set in his game, the charisma, and killer mentality to be the face of the league.

[@a.r.t93]

"looks like he's going for the Tony Snell tonight" 💀

[@howlinhauler]

Was living in Austin when KD was at UT, it was great. KD makes me feel like Kawhi , sad endings.

[@215Legend]

Gave birth to a basketball child. Bill u wild but on point😂😂😂🤝🏾‼️

[@nedschneebly5424]

I’ve been saying it basically since week 3 of the regular season but as a wolves fan I prayed for times like this 🥹

[@Cboy2023]

Rusillo and me! Cmon Bill

[@paulg2216]

at least Beal took the challenge of guarding Ant even with the height, size , athletics , health , youth disadvantages but yeah suns guards cant defend anyone - who did booker defend on that play

[@CrystalSauceOnEverything]

There have been MANY 25/gm .46 .36 shooting guards over the years. I agree Ant’s game is aesthetically pleasing but I’m not sure he’s quantifiably better than a lot of other guys

[@Guy-qs5nz]

Everyone in MN is so happy we FINALLY hit on a lottery pick. KAT was the only 1/10 picks after KG prior to Edwards worth a supermax.

[@xXSprMgaAwsmFxyHtXx]

I was so wrong on Ant. I didn’t see the love of basketball, but it feels like it’s definitely there now. Maybe it always was but those pre-draft interviews were strange

[@slobberkissintl3548]

If I was gm of Phoenix, and good thing I'm not but if i felt like my back was really against the wall and no way up from where they are, you gotta move someone. Beal has a no trade clause and you probably couldn't find a taker anyway. You might be able to move Durant, maybe not But you can definitely move Booker. So could you move Booker in a way that actively hurts a team ahead of you? I don't think there's a deal in Denver, Booker for Ant is 0% but Booker and KAT were/are friends but I doubt KAT has any power in MN especially to get Ant traded 😂 but that's the blue print... Maybe they could pitch OKC Booker for Dort, Giddey, Kenrich Williams, lots of picks and Booker's $ moves into their cap space (Hayward's $31.5 is expiring, not sure how that works). I think SGA and Booker would be fine together but maybe OKC would find this carrot irresistible and maybe SGA and Booker would clash, disrupt the team, hurt OKC's cap space to get a big, maybe Dort KWilliams and Giddey can be the role players PHX needs, Beal rediscovers his 30ppg self and PHX leap frogs them? Not likely of course but maybe this is PHX's only chance? They could try the same with New Orleans but they're already ahead of them however it would be hilarious if they trade Booker for Ingram and go from too many SGs to too many SFs. Phoenix: Redundancy City! (Booker for Zion is tasty though!)

[@preslove]

Ant is just the star the NBA needs. He's kobe, but also extremely charismatic. His personality is great.

[@donjohn7709]

Oh oh, big media on the bandwagon. Watch out league.

[@chadwoff7892]

Ok I guess he is going for the Tony Snell tonight 😂😂😂

[@MRoss623]

There was rumors that Edward’s didn’t enjoy basketballl that much around the draft…the thing with Steve Kerr lit a match for him to take his game to a new level. This is it

[@jakefischbach]

what was the quote they posted in the Minneapolis airport?

[@razkable]

Beal had runs in 2014 2015 as well..dude won 3 playoff series in 4 years...almost won 5 ..

[@TheRulersBack18]

he was definitely really good with john wall

[@scandelez]

Congrats!!!!!

[@0l3g]

And then after Wall was traded he only got to the playoffs once and that was on a 34 win team that Westbrook was carrying..

[@marcr196]

27:45 Suns had the home-grown guys pre-KD trade. But if one of those home-grown guys isn't capable of being the best player in every single playoff series, you aren't winning. Which is when you trade those home grown guys for someone who potentially can be one of those best in the world types and hope you get lucky. By far the most "reliable" way to win is to draft one of those guys, but of course, easier said than done. Not everyone can draft a multi time MVP in the 2nd round during a taco bell commercial.

[@peudooo]

funny, i also KNEW once that beal 3 went up it was gonna be a brick.

[@razkable]

Edwards is like d wade in the playoffs in 04....we all were like what is this..its his team...

[@leroyduncan9368]

Age 22 and hes the best defender and offensive player on the court. Unquestionably. Barring none. Its not unprecedented. Lebron, Kobe, MJ and Ant. Thats kinda it. And Wade, good point!

[@nazcraz11]

I don't think he's the best defender. He's definitely improved/improving on that end and maybe he will be that at some point. But, he's not even the best defender on his team.

[@youthanasia007]

"Towns leads the league in weirdness per 36" I def hope we dont start tracking that, as a Wolves fan. 😂

[@GLrebirth]

I thought your kid was Ben Simmons...and now he's disowned 😂

[@jstdun]

Safe to say Suns probably wish they kept Bridges, Cam Johnson, Ayton, and Paul. Easier to say in hindsight but just looking at the roster, it seems like a no brainer. They were clearly missing depth this year.

[@irahazemusic]

This is great. Give them flowers after being dead ass wrong.

[@joemodest]

Can anyone confirm that someone said Ant doesn't care about playing basketball? I'm pretty sure I heard that before, from his rookie year i suppose. But now we see that its actually the opposite of what was told to us

[@leroyduncan9368]

Towns is 19pts and 9reb this series. Hes played well all series.

[@johnshottie4415]

Game 4 KAT kept them in the game.

[@infamouswildcat11]

Just remember when these two said Rudy G trade was the WORST NBA trade of all time lol that take is looking GREAT right now

[@shanerobinson925]

Ant is my new favorite player. Went from Kobe to Steph to now ANT. Bro has that aura and attitude that reminds me of Kobe. Gotta love it

[@nocturne311]

Cool. You sound like a real frontrunner. Lol.

[@whiteymcwhiterson3974]

​@@nocturne311a frontrunner because he likes a player that won his first ever playoff series? Lol. Grow up loser

[@scandelez]

@@nocturne311took the exact words right out of my mouth. Let me guess, your favorite football team is the patriots?

[@Hunter_s_morrison]

Kobe nice steph plays no defense I haven't found a.player with heart since kobe .. Now it's ant

[@nocturne311]

@@scandelez No, but his probably is. Or the Chiefs. Lol. My favorite team is the Dolphins.

[@at0mly]

Wild that Bill sounds like he's trying to take credit for Ant being good when he's on record as hating this Minnesota team and and every transaction they made to assemble it.

[@mackmpls]

As someone who has actually watched Ant grow in the NBA. Thanks for joining us eventually Bill. Try to not make it about you. Oh, who am I kidding? That is your brand Bill. Do your thing. 🙄

[@bradbulen1210]

Even the Extender couldn't extend that game

[@Spider-Complexion]

Anthony Edwards makes me wish that he was in a Lakers jersey, because he reminds me of Kobe. What a great player for Minnesota.

[@user-vj5pc5ru2y]

He’s his own thing. He is Minnesota yall got yours don’t be greedy

[@justinhensley8900]

Poor Lakers. At least you have the Cowboys and the Yankees. How's the weather in Idaho?

[@johngist3761]

"You gotta keep scrolling over." ☠️ KD was actually just as good as he was in 2019, early in the season, the past two years, but he got hurt both times. This year was the first year that you could kind of see his motor lowering. Stat wise he's still amazing but he's not as explosive

[@smittyque2567]

Lebron, KD and Curry have the benefit of playing in this era where in the regular season they can still roll out of bed and get their numbers. They're depreciation isn't really noticed until the playoffs when they're going against better teams who aren't scared of them.

[@auggiesonatta8480]

two proud papas

[@JossParkerPopArt]

Because you growns up and ya growns up and ya grownsd up!!!!

[@natelombardo]

Now do Scoot!

[@garyspence2128]

Who...?

[@Krankensteinn]

As a Knicks fan I really don't want to say this. Best thing Durant could do for his lasting legacy is head to NY and somehow win a ring there in the next 2 to 3 years. He won't have to be a 1 and the defense is much better. Winning the first ring for NY in over FIFTY YEARS would cement him as a legend...at least in NY

[@Papa_Static]

I think Wolves still win, but I think Grayson Allen wouldn't made a huge difference here. The guy was the best 3 point shooter statistically of the season. Spacing wise that would've been huge for Book and KD

[@nocturne311]

I tried to tell people that the Suns weren’t going to be a threat this season. They don’t have a point guard. Their offense is basically just Booker and Beal attempting to take turns creating while Durant and Booker take turns scoring in isolation. There’s no structure or rhythm to it. Harden would have been a much better addition than Beal was.

[@michaelahurt]

Did you watch game 4? You’re right in the big picture but they showed they *can* play with structure and rhythm They just devolve way too often into what you described. That’s coaching.

[@petergianakopoulos4926]

You did tell us

[@blakefinkenbeiner6843]

How can they do a victory lap after calling the Gobert trade the worst of all time 😂

[@johnbrowntheprophet]

To be fair, everyone thought that. They still traded four first round picks for a defensive specialist and a rebounder. That’s still a large haul. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Riggan201]

True Story.

[@joshruiz809]

@@johnbrowntheprophetthe way is looking, it isn't going to be lottery picks after all

[@irahazemusic]

They also picked phx to win this series saying this is the worst matchup for wolves.

[@seanpidduck]

Still a trash trade. Who were they competing against? This team is completely unaffordable. If they don't win this year they literally cannot afford it NBA fans literally cannot remember past a week ago

[@saiwaqa2573]

Simmons has literally said this about one player every year, each year its a different player. First it was giannis, then jokic, then Luka, he said it about Tatum, he said it about sga, and now he is saying it about Anthony edwards. How much of his analysis is filled with recency bias?