Anthony Edwards inspires Timberwolves to shock Game 1 playoff win over Grizzlies

By Jack Bantock, CNN

Updated 1319 GMT (2119 HKT) April 17, 2022

T-Wolves guard Anthony Edwards drives to the basket against the Memphis Grizzlies.

(CNN)A devastating NBA playoff debut from Anthony Edwards powered the Minnesota Timberwolves to a shock 130-117 Game 1 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday.

The 20-year-old scored a game-high 36 points to stun the Western Conference's number two seed in their own backyard at the FedExForum, dazzling in a statement win for a T-Wolves team that only reached the playoffs via the play-ins. Adding two rebounds and six assists, Edwards became the third youngest player in NBA history — and only one of four under the age of 21 — to score 35 points in a playoff game, according to ESPN Stats and Info. With only Derrick Rose and Tyler Herro achieving such a haul at a younger age, it was a feat made all the more impressive considering it was Edwards' first ever taste of the playoffs — not that he was in any way overwhelmed by the occasion.«I didn't feel any different,» Edwards told reporters after the game. «It's like a regular season game to me.»Edwards enjoyed a stellar night on his playoff debut.Read MoreBattle of youthCenter Karl Anthony Towns and guard Malik Beasley added 29 and 23 points for the Timberwolves, with Edwards singling out the performance of forward Jaden McDaniels as «the MVP of the game.»With 15 points, seven rebounds and two assists, the Timberwolves were a net +19 points while the 21-year-old McDaniels was on court.«He was the best player on the floor for us, no doubt,» Edwards said.And with 22-year-old Ja Morant leading scoring for the Grizzlies with 32 points, it was a night that emphatically underlined the sheer quality of young talent in the NBA. Though