Edwards, Morant, other young stars embrace NBA playoff stage

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Anthony Edwards is sharing the NBA’s brightest lights with one of the league’s most talked about young stars in Ja Morant.

And Edwards has stepped boldly into the playoff spotlight.

Edwards outdueled Morant and took some of the shine off the All-Star point guard in Game 1 helping Minnesota grab home-court advantage from Memphis. Morant still had his share of high-flying highlights to make clear their entertaining first-round series is far from over.

The Timberwolves' young star credits Memphis’ fans — not facing off against Morant — for igniting his game.

“They talk so much trash,” Edwards said. “Even the kids! The kids was the worst ones. Even eight years old, 10 years old, ‘Anthony go sit down! You suck!’ It’s just fun. Basketball is fun to me. I love it.”

This series probably won't be the last time Edwards goes toe-to-toe with Memphis’ MVP candidate. Their budding Western Conference rivalry was only part of the show put on by young talented players who embraced the opening of the NBA playoffs.

Tyrese Maxey got the postseason going with a 38-point performance for Philadelphia in his second NBA postseason. Edwards followed with 36 points in his debut, while Morant countered with 32. Jordan Poole finished with 30 points Saturday for Golden State in his first postseason game starting for Stephen Curry.

It was the first time the NBA had more than two 30-point playoff performances on the same day by players 22 or younger. Edwards and Morant were the first 22 or younger to score at least 30 points in the same playoff game in NBA history.

And Edwards is the youngest of that group at 20.

The 2020 No. 1 overall pick snatched some of the attention away from Morant, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019