Anthony Edwards, the young star of the Minnesota Timberwolves, is capturing the NBA spotlight not only for his explosive talent but also for his bold statements and admiration for legend Michael Jordan. In a recent interview with Bolavip US, Edwards shared a “shocking” lesson he learned from the NBA playoffs, drawing inspiration directly from Michael Jordan and the iconic Chicago Bulls. This lesson not only highlights Edwards’ ambition but also shows how he applies “MJ’s” mindset to his own journey toward championship glory.
A Lesson from Michael Jordan: The “Blackout” Mentality in Big Games
In the 2024-2025 season, Anthony Edwards has solidified himself as one of the NBA’s brightest stars, averaging 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. However, what caught fans by surprise was his approach to playoff games, particularly after a 44-point outburst against the Memphis Grizzlies. Following the game, Edwards revealed that he was inspired by “blackout” videos of Michael Jordan sent to him daily by his personal trainer, Chris Hines.
“My trainer told me I had to ‘blackout’ tonight, and I tried to do that,” Edwards said. “We watch MJ videos, and I know people are gonna love this… He sends me clips of how Jordan ‘blacked out’ every day.”
The term “blackout” Edwards referenced describes a state of ultimate focus, where a player blocks out all distractions to dominate the game. This was a hallmark of Michael Jordan in high-stakes games, especially in the playoffs, where he led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships from 1991 to 1998. Jordan was not only renowned for his superior skills but also for his ability to shine in clutch moments, like “The Shot” against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1989 or his 38-point performance despite illness in the 1997 “Flu Game.”
Edwards, with his high-energy playing style and fearless confidence, appears to be channeling this same mentality. He doesn’t just aim to score but strives to be the leader his team needs, much like Jordan was for the Bulls.
From Confidence to Controversy: Edwards and Jordan’s Shadow
This isn’t the first time Edwards has been compared to Michael Jordan. With his athletic build, explosive dunks, and knack for scoring in critical moments, Edwards is often dubbed the “next Jordan.” However, he also sparked controversy when he claimed that, aside from Jordan, players from past eras lacked the skills of today’s NBA. “I didn’t think anybody was skilled back then. [Michael Jordan] was the only one that was really skilled,” Edwards told The Wall Street Journal. The comment drew sharp responses from legends like Magic Johnson and Paul George, who felt Edwards disrespected the game’s pioneers.
Despite the backlash, Edwards remains unfazed, staying focused on his goals. He acknowledges Jordan as “the greatest of all time” and has expressed a desire to avoid direct comparisons. “I want people to stop the comparisons. He’s on a different level,” Edwards told FOX Sports. Instead, Edwards is dedicated to learning from Jordan, particularly how he turned playoff pressure into opportunities to shine.
The Playoff Lesson: Leadership and Sacrifice for the Team
The biggest lesson Edwards has drawn from Jordan and the Chicago Bulls goes beyond individual skill—it’s about leadership. In the first-round playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024-2025 season, the Timberwolves stunned the heavily favored Lakers. Though Edwards was limited offensively (scoring only 22 points), he made significant contributions through defense and playmaking. After the game, he emphasized the team’s underdog mentality: “We weren’t supposed to be here. The Lakers were the ones expected to win. We just tried to compete as hard as we could.”
This approach echoes Jordan’s early career, when he learned to balance scoring with empowering teammates like Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. At just 23 years old, Edwards is already showing maturity by prioritizing team success over personal stats. Teammate Nickeil Alexander-Walker praised Edwards’ selflessness: “He’s humble, willing to step back and say, ‘This might not be my series, but I need you guys.’”
Timberwolves and Championship Dreams: Can Edwards Follow Jordan’s Path?
With Karl-Anthony Towns’ departure, Anthony Edwards has become the heart and soul of the Minnesota Timberwolves. He’s already shattered several team records, including surpassing Towns for the most 40-point games in franchise history. This season, Edwards is not only eyeing the MVP award but also aiming to lead the Timberwolves to the NBA Finals—a feat the team hasn’t accomplished since 2004.
Inspired by Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, Edwards is building his reputation as a leader who thrives under pressure. The “blackout” lesson he referenced isn’t just about scoring—it’s about maintaining a fighting spirit in the toughest moments. Just as Jordan transformed the Bulls from a promising team into a dynasty, Edwards is laying the foundation for a bright future in Minnesota.
Conclusion
Anthony Edwards is more than just a rising NBA star—he’s a student of the game who learns from the greatest. The “shocking” lesson he gleaned from Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls—the “blackout” mentality and leadership for the team—underscores his lofty ambitions. Can Edwards lead the Timberwolves to the same heights Jordan achieved with the Bulls? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: “Ant-Man” is on the right path to carving out his own legacy.