“I don’t know what to do, honestly. It’s not fun.” Those were Anthony Edwards’ words after a frustrating loss to the Celtics in January, where relentless double teams neutralized his offensive impact.
Fast forward to March, and Edwards looks like a different player. He now welcomes double-teams, using them to his advantage. What changed? The answer lies in hours of studying Luka Dončić’s strategic manipulation of defenses
Following the Timberwolves’ dominant 115-95 win over the Denver Nuggets, Edwards addressed the media in a Q&A session. A reporter noted his improved confidence against double teams, a stark contrast to his struggles just months ago. The 23-year-old credited this to watching films of other NBA games. Along with providing him information about how other players engage in open reads and pre-rotations, the game footage also gave Edwards a way to see how other players work around being doubled. The player whose playstyle helped the Timberwolves star the most was Luka Doncic!
“ …Especially Luka, I watch a lot of Luka, Edwards revealed. “Seeing how he attacks the double team, even though we play in different paces, but just seeing his strategy to beat the double team, I think that helps me a lot”.
Asked Anthony Edwards about his growth against double teams over the last few months — after previously being frustrated about those types of coverages.
He said he’s watched a lot of Luka Doncic film, and learned from that. https://t.co/lF58jWRhFL pic.twitter.com/3a929ElOAZ
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) March 13, 2025
The Smoking Cuban previously crowned Luka Dončić as ‘the double-team king of the Mavericks’. He was given the honor thanks to his ability to easily draw two rival players. This allowed his teammates to get open looks from downtown or diving to the rim. Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins explained why his team targeted Dončić, stating, “He’s the quarterback out there. He will be in a ton of pick-and-rolls, a lot of early pick-and-rolls, single pick-and-rolls, double pick-and-rolls. Then he’ll get into his ISO game on the perimeter and sometimes on the interior down in the post.”
Fortunately, being double-teamed was a challenge the Slovenian always welcomed. After all, he felt that “That just makes us better. Everybody touches the ball. Everybody plays. It’s an amazing win. We come down to the stretch, and we execute.” If you ever wanted to know the major reason behind Luka averaging 9.8 assists during the previous season, and 8 assists in the ongoing tournament, now you know.
However, according to Anthony Edwards, continuously passing the ball is not how he likes to play the game. Therefore, instead of assists, he sought how the Slovenian worked through the double-team while keeping the ball to himself. In the end, it worked. Edwards went from averaging 20.5 points in December 2024 to 30.3 points in January. He managed to lead his team better. The result of that has been seen, as the Timberwolves established a 6-game win streak with their recent win. Furthermore, after defeating the Nuggets, Anthony Edwards and co now hold the 7th seed on the Western Conference chart. If they maintain their current win streak, then securing a spot in the playoffs won’t be too far away for them.
It’s unsurprising that Anthony Edwards watched Luka Doncic’s tape to understand how to work through double teams. After all, despite being on-court rivals, Edwards gives the Slovenian praise where it is due. This is why he called BS when the Mavs attempted to justify the reason behind trading him.
Anthony Edwards reveals not giving “a damn” about Luka Doncic’s weight: “You’re fine with me”
Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison shocked the NBA world in February after he traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. As literal protests took place on the streets to speak against the NBA trade, several reports began to justify the reason behind it. Some claimed that Doncic didn’t pay attention to his weight, and was reportedly close to 270 lbs this season.
Dallas Mavericks at Orlando Magic, Orlando, Florida, USA Orlando, Florida, USA, November 6, 2023, Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic 77 at the Amway Center. NOxUSExINxGERMANY PUBLICATIONxINxALGxARGxAUTxBRNxBRAxCANxCHIxCHNxCOLxECUxEGYxGRExINDxIRIxIRQxISRxJORxKUWxLIBxLBAxMLTxMEXxMARxOMAxPERxQATxKSAxSUIxSYRxTUNxTURxUAExUKxVENxYEMxONLY Copyright: xMartyxJean-Louisx Editorial use only
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that there was significant frustration, within the Mavs, due to Doncic’s lack of discipline regarding his diet and conditioning. Analysts attributed this as a major factor in the player’s injury issues. During the All-Star Weekend, reporters asked Anthony Edwards to comment on this rumor, he dismissed it without thinking too much.
“He didn’t look 270 to me,” said Edwards. “Man, he averages 30 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds. I don’t give a damn if you’re 300 lbs. You’re fine with me.” Edwards also used the opportunity to crack jokes. When asked how much he weighed the most in the off-season, the 23-year-old replied, “240. I hope they ain’t trade me when I was 240.”
Reporter: “Reports said Luka Doncic was 270 lbs. What’s the heaviest you’ve been, maybe in the off-season?”
Anthony Edwards: “240. I hope they ain’t trade me when I was 240.” pic.twitter.com/Tzj0WmGGk7
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) February 17, 2025
With the Timberwolves surging in the standings and Edwards refining his game, a playoff matchup against Dončić and the Lakers could make for one of the most intriguing duels of the postseason. If Edwards continues this trajectory, he won’t just be learning from superstars, but competing as one
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