The 1st game between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves projected a glimpse of the NBA’s future. Anthony Edwards stormed his way to 43 points on 58% shooting, neutralizing all of Denver’s defensive schemes. It was the first time in the Nuggets’ nearly 2-year dominance that the crew looked clueless. Despite Edwards’ career playoff-high, he made headlines for his effortless defense on Jamal Murray; rendering who Ant calls the “best closer” in the league scoreless in the first quarter.

Now, just a day later of the matchup, leaked footage of Murray and Ant’s exchange has gripped NBA fans. As the game begins, Murray says, “You got me?“, upon realizing that Chris Finch asked Edwards to guard him. While Murray follows up by citing, “Oh, this is gonna be fun, ” Anthony Edwards locked the guard down on the coming play, only to stare him down as a defensive 3-second whistle was called. Moreover, after hitting an unbothered three over Murray, Ant resorted to the same stare-down, all while exclaiming in excitement on his way to the bench.

Edwards, who is currently on his “kill everybody” journey, has enough fuel and ignition in the tank to take over Murray. After calling Kevin Durant his “GOAT” in an earlier interview, he made sure to let KD know he plans on overtaking him in the first round. The option of sweeping the Nuggets might not be there. However, Edwards called Murray his favorite player to watch earlier this season. That is plenty enough reason for Ant to ensure he has his one-on-one moments with Denver’s man; all while using his acrobatics and quick step to try and dominate the 6’4 guard.

Anthony Edwards vs Jamal Murray

Throughout all of their matchups in the NBA, Jamal Murray has a winning edge over Anthony Edwards. Murray has won five out of the seven regular season games when playing against Ant while winning 4 out of the 6 in playoffs.

Individually, Anthony Edwards and Jamal Murray produce similar numbers in the regular season. Murray averages 20.4 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.6 rebounds while Ant churns out 20.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. However, Murray has had better shooting success, shooting 51% from the field and 43.8% from three. Edwards, on the other hand, shoots 44.4% of his shots while shooting nearly 26% from three.

Nevertheless, Anthony Edwards surpasses Murray in the playoffs, both in production and efficiency. He generates 33.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game while sinking 50.3% of his takes (36% from three). Murray sees 46.6% success from the floor (43.5% from three) in his average of 25.5 points, 6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game against Ant.

Moreover, Edwards is only beginning to rise and age by his side. Nevertheless, Murray, apart from his experience, has a championship roster following him. Even if Edwards maintains an upper hand over Murray throughout the series, there is a possibility that Denver’s winning core can fill the void and keep them in contention.