The game is coming to Anthony Edwards like never before. It’s hard to believe after the incredible ascension of his last season leading the Timberwolves to the conference finals. However, he has rampantly refined his three-point shot. Ant-Man has hit at least 3 threes in every game this season, punishing Portland with a season-high nine threes today. His explosion put him only behind Stephen Curry.

Through nine games, Edwards’ 50 threes this season is the third-highest tally in the history of the league. Curry holds the record for the two most prolific nine-game opening runs. However, even though he is leading the NBA in threes made to this point and shooting 48.1% from beyond the arc, the league doesn’t seem to be fully convinced.

Even now, defenses go under screens, offering him space to shoot. Tonight, he had a dagger from well beyond to send a statement. And after the game, he revealed his internal feelings about the same. “It’s kinda funny because Mike be trying to tell me like get downhill. I’m like they going under, you know what I mean? I work on my game too much to try to force going downhill if they going to keep going under. So I’m going to shoot that,” Ant revealed.

So far, even though Edwards has announced the advent of a lethal shot, most of his attempts have been wide open. In 6.5 attempts, Edwards is sitting 48.1% of these open threes. Yet, defenses seem to fear his slashing prowess far greater than his utility from beyond the arc. Given his seamless game near the rim, it’s a tough choice to make for an opposing coach.

Anthony Edwards has his mastery to thank for his own ‘surprise’. However, given how effective he has made himself from the arc and the stark increase in his volume, defenses might have to adjust soon before his confidence grows even greater.

Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, the new tandem in Minnesota

Julius Randle only got a single preseason game to adjust to the Wolves. In his debut against the Lakers, the former Knick lacked aggression. Then Anthony Edwards gave him a simple suggestion. “Don’t fit around us, we‘ll fit around you,” said the young face of the Wolves. Since then, Randle has become the perfect complement for Edwards.

Operating in the interior, Randle has turned to playing his natural game. Averaging 21.8, he is having one of his best shooting years, making 55% of his field goal attempts. His brute play and soft touch near the rim provide the gateway for his sharp scoring. This was also something that surprised Edwards about his new teammate.

“Julius is very efficient. I really didn’t know this…he don’t take a lot of shots but he makes the shots that he takes,” he said after a game.

Moreover, with the Wolves’ dynamic ranks, Randle has found the time to explore his floor-stretching abilities. Currently hitting a career-high 44.7%, he is able to take advantage of matchups and apply further perimeter pressure, keeping defenses unsettled when playing next to Anthony Edwards.

As a duo, they are leading the charge to an exemplary Timberwolves offense. The team is shooting the second best from range, a trait that is slowly becoming a core part of their identity. Additionally, with the depth gifted through their last-minute trade, the Wolves’ defense is suffocating rivals. They have the fifth-best net differential at +6.3, evidence of their polished play on either side of the court.

With this new duo, the Wolves will hope they can take the championship leap they fell narrowly short of last season. Do you think Julius Randle is the key to Anthony Edwards and Minnesota? Let us know your views in the comments below.