
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 29, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Jan 29, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Anthony Edwards put John Collins on a poster and framed it with the potential ‘Dunk of the Year’ narrative. The 22-year-old Minnesota Timberwolves guard threw down one of the most ferocious slams seen in recent years, living up to all the Michael Jordan hype his game brings to the court. Moreover, leaping for a dunk so powerful, Ant dislocated his finger on the play.
While Edwards’ could not bathe in the emphatic cheers due to the injury, the fans and NBA faces across the league recognized the weight of Edwards’ dunk. With that, while several claim it to be the best dunk of recent years, others come forward, barring Ant’s dunk over a slight technicality.
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NBA Insiders invalidate Anthony Edwards’ dunk
We’re all aware of what a Slam Dunk means. It is when a player leaps in the air to shove the ball through the net while maintaining control of the ball throughout. With that, when looking at Anthony Edwards’ dunk, he seems to throw it down rather than dunk it the technical way. With that, several names in the league spark an argument on the authenticity of Ant’s dunk, ultimately taking away from his possible ‘Dunk of the Year’ candidacy. Boston Celtics‘ Insider, Marc D’Amico, was one of the earliest names to do so.
I'm not saying it wasn't an awesome play! But that ain't a dunk!😂 https://t.co/FDsJibNLzH
— Marc D'Amico (@Marc_DAmico) March 19, 2024
Moreover, another Insider chimed in a similar stance, writing, “Anthony Edwards dunk wasn’t a dunk. Unpopular Opinion.”
Anthony Edwards dunk wasn’t a dunk.
Unpopular Opinion.
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) March 19, 2024
While the Insider pose a challenging twist on Ant’s extraordinary highlight, a fan added to the angst of the fans. Replying to Brandon, the fan deemed the play as a travel, restricting the play from even occurring in the first play.
and it's a travel https://t.co/FerkFKS6fx
— IJ (@LOATR95) March 19, 2024
Soon, another fan joined the conversation, hinting at several Blake Griffin highlights. Regardless, the fan swayed away from the technicality, giving Anthony Edwards the due credit for the extraordinary play.
Just like Blake’s….but it’s no less
nasty 🔥🔥 https://t.co/CE0ytnGWcw— Rey (@93Naldo) March 19, 2024
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With authoritative Insiders restricting validation on Edwards’ dunk, the fans cannot help but wonder about the chances of his recent poster topping the coveted annual list.
The NBA will count Ant’s throwdown as a slam
Luckily, the NBA does not penalize players on throw-downs. In the 2008 dunk contest, Dwight Howard, in one of his Superman monikers, threw down the ball, with no sight of touching the rim. Not only the detail was overlooked, but he was showered a perfect 50 points by the judges.
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Read More – “So Filthy”: Fans Break Into Frenzy After Anthony Edwards’ Vicious Play Puts Future At Risk
Moreover, in the recent past, the NBA’s yearly snippets of slams have portrayed a mix of dunks and throwdowns, adding the only validation fans need for Edwards’ dunk.
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