NBA MVP: Anthony Edwards’ “Play of The Year” Has Stephen A. Jumping Jayson Tatum’s Ship

Up until about two weeks ago, Stephen A. Smith couldn’t stop talking about how Boston‘s star player, Jayson Tatum, is making every case in point for the MVP race. But tonight, it seems like Smith has swapped his favorite forward for a 22-year-old guard, Anthony Edwards. The franchise player of the top-seeded West team, Edwards, has been making a solid case for himself.

And Stephen A. loves what he is seeing from the young Timberwolf. He talks about how the ‘Ant-Man’ just went off against the Pacers last night, dropping 44 points and a brilliant block to take the win. “It’s the play of the year! It’s the play of the year,” Smith repeats to drive his point home.

Smith further compares Edwards’ block to that of LeBron James in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals. The 4x MVP had soared out of nowhere, it would seem, to reject Andre Iguodala’s basket. Anthony was no different. He had jumped so high that his head hit the rim while trying to block Aaron Nesmith’s layup. Stephen A. is convinced that what Anthony Edwards is doing in Minnesota puts him smack in the middle of the MVP race; just as much as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are 44-19 in the Western Conference and on a two-game winning streak. And with Karl-Anthony Towns out with a meniscus tear, Edwards will have to sweat it out to keep his team on top. Luckily for them, the explosive guard has no problem doing that. Yet, Stephen A. Smith just can’t seem to let go of Tatum.

“Seize moments”: Stephen A. has a word of advice for Jayson Tatum

While it’s clear that Smith is unhappy with JT for his lackluster performance against the Denver Nuggets last night, it doesn’t stop him from admonishing the young superstar. He draws attention to how this season is Tatum‘s if he so wishes it to be. But first, he has to get his focus back. As such he has a word of advice for him. “He’s got to get his mind right in terms of really really going after these moments and seizing it. Because that’s what superstars do, they seize moments.”

 From being the top candidate for league MVP, NBA Finals MVP, the $300 million supermax extension, and the cherry on top, Olympic gold, Jayson has everything aligned perfectly. Now all that is left to do is to make use of every opportunity available to them and not get too comfortable with their standing in the East.

Read More: WATCH: Anthony Edwards’ Startling Block Revives Identical Michael Jordan’s UCLA Move From 41 Years Ago