For someone averaging 36 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists this season, Anthony Edwards sure is rewriting what it means to carry the American superstardom. He had spent his summer refining his skills, studying Jordan fadeaways and Bryant’s footwork, and it showed as the Timberwolves’ offense looked more confident and more like his own. Then came Sunday night in Minneapolis.

Through the first quarter at Target Center, Anthony Edwards looked like he was just getting warmed up. 5 points and 1 rebound on 40.0%, and then, suddenly, he was gone. Edwards headed to the locker room and didn’t return.

The Timberwolves soon confirmed the bad news, reporting that Anthony Edwards would miss the rest of the game against Indiana because of right hamstring tightness.

Minnesota will need to adjust quickly against a fast-paced Pacers team that thrives in transition. And for a player who’s made durability a core part of his identity, this setback hits differently.

The 24-year-old had been averaging over 30 a night through the opening stretch, leading a Minnesota team finally showing the maturity of a contender.

Every spin move and mid-range fadeaway felt like a step toward that MVP conversation he’s been part of this offseason. And this is not only about missing one game. It’s a pause in momentum that’s been building for months.

Edwards has been vocal about wanting to end the drought of Minnesota’s back-to-back losses, and he’s been acting like it. He said so himself, “I’m going to work my bu– off this summer. Nobody’s going to work harder than me this summer.”

From Kobe-inspired offseason work, as reported by Shams Charania, to a growing reputation among peers, including Giannis Antetokounmpo saying he likes Ant-Man a lot, Edwards was positioning himself as the next best player to watch this season.

Even Paul Pierce, adding on to the conversation of the next American’s possibility to win the NBA MVP, said, “I think he [Anthony Edwards] got an opportunity to start, you know, making his name recognized in that conversation… He has that type of ability. When we talk about the American players right now, as of today, this season? I think he’s the only one.”

But Anthony Edwards’ sudden hamstring injury is a tough one to overcome. Hamstring tightness can mean anything from a precautionary exit to a multi-week absence, and Minnesota knows the margin for error is slim to none.

How serious is Anthony Edwards’ hamstring issue?

The Timberwolves’ medical staff will likely tread carefully, especially with their franchise cornerstone. Early reports describe it as “tightness,” not a strain, which is a hopeful difference.

Still, for a player who relies on explosive athleticism, any hamstring issue can ripple through a season. As for what this means short-term, if Edwards does not show up in their next game against the Nuggets?

Minnesota’s offense will have to pick up the slack in Edwards’ absence, with Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle expected to shoulder more creative responsibility. DiVincenzo, Shannon Jr., and Reid could see expanded roles, keeping the team afloat while Edwards recovers, both mentally and physically.

The Wolves will need everyone to step up, balancing aggression with smart execution until their star returns. Long term, though, this injury could slow down what was shaping up to be an MVP-level season for Ant-Man.

The irony sometimes can be so brutal and beautiful at the same time, as Edwards was so adamant on translating his offseason hard work into the season’s victories. Now, that structure is being tested. Hopefully for Minnesota loyalists, this injury is just a bump rather than a derailment.

As for right now, the Wolves will monitor, the fans will wait, and the league will watch. Because when Anthony Edwards takes a step back, you can’t help but feel the NBA holds its breath right with him.