The Oklahoma City Thunder are one win away from securing their fifth appearance in the NBA Finals in franchise history and their second since relocating to Oklahoma in 2008. The 2024-25 season was historic for the Thunder, who boasted the best record in the league with 68 wins. This surpasses their previous record of 64 wins in 1996, when they fell to Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls in the Finals. For the Minnesota Timberwolves, this is their second consecutive appearance in the Western Conference Finals. However, like last year, they’re on the verge of being eliminated in five games.
Last season, Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves’ star, was outshined by Luka Doncic in the series against Dallas. This season, he has been overshadowed by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 40 points in a thrilling 128-126 Game 4 victory in Minnesota. Despite Edwards’s struggles in that game (he scored only 15 points), the series isn’t over yet. However, the Thunder’s momentum, fueled by their home crowd and SGA’s dominance, makes it a steep climb for Edwards, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert and company.
Kendrick Perkins Questions Edwards’ Role Model Status
In a recent segment on ESPN’s First Take, former NBA player Kendrick Perkins stirred controversy by suggesting that Anthony Edwards is not a suitable role model for the league because he is not married. “You gotta check the boxes when you’re the face of the league,” Perkins argued. He listed legends like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaq, LeBron James, and Steph Curry as examples of “family men” during their playing days.
Perkins made these comments as part of a broader discussion about whether Edwards, at 23 years old, is being prematurely labeled as the NBA’s next big thing, especially after his underwhelming performance in Game 4. “It’s not just about playoff moments or championships,” Perkins said.
“You gotta be a role model, and part of that is being married with kids.” The debate over who will become the NBA’s next big star once LeBron James and Stephen Curry retire has been a hot topic on ESPN. However, Perkins’s focus on personal life rather than on-court achievements raised eyebrows. Edwards, who earned Second Team All-NBA honors for the second consecutive year, is undoubtedly a top-10 talent. However, his shortcomings in the playoffs at such a young age leave room for growth. Still, at 23, his future is bright, and his vibrant personality and game could eventually define him as a leader in the league.
However, Perkins’ remarks overlook the complexities of these icons’ personal lives. For example, Shaquille O’Neal admitted to infidelity, Magic Johnson contracted HIV outside of his marriage, Kobe Bryant faced serious allegations, and Michael Jordan’s rumored affairs reportedly influenced his divorce. These examples challenge Perkins’s idea that marital status equates to role model status. Edwards has a daughter with his girlfriend and left a game at halftime last season to be present for her birth. Apparently, that doesn’t suffice for Perkins.
Thunderwolves Series Hangs in the Balance
With the series heading to Oklahoma City for a potential close-out game, Edwards is under immense pressure to step up his performance. His 15-point performance in Game 4 fell short of what the Timberwolves needed, especially in one of the loudest arenas in the league, where the Thunder’s energy was at its peak. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-caliber performance and the Thunder’s defensive strategy have neutralized Edwards. However, this elimination game offers a chance for redemption.
For Edwards, Randle, and Gobert, overcoming this deficit would make a statement, but the odds are stacked against them. The Thunder’s historic season, capped by SGA’s brilliance, suggests the series is all but over. Edwards is entering his prime and has time to grow, but this moment could shape his postseason narrative for years to come.
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