Apr 28, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Timberwolves broke almost two decades of their second-round playoff drought tonight! They beat the Phoenix Suns 122-116 to become the first team to advance to the next round. The Wolves will be waiting for the results of the Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets to find out who their opponent will be. Until then, it’s some well-deserved rest. But of course, rest isn’t what’s probably foremost in the minds of Anthony Edwards and Co.
They went against some of the most elite basketball talents in the league. Fortunately for them, the Big 3 as a team weren’t exactly in the best of their elements. Individually, they were brilliant, but the trio still had to figure out how to work together. But we are going off the topic here.
USA Today via Reuters Apr 28, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) puts up a layup against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half of game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
After the win, the Inside the NBA crew was ready with their appreciation and questions for the ANT. But what was hilarious was when one of those questions turned into an off-court topic. And, of course, this came from Shaquille O’Neal. He asked Edwards what his favorite basketball movie was. “I probably will have to go with,” Anthony started before Shaq interrupted him with a suggestion.
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“Kazaam.” Not even acknowledging it with a smile, nod, laugh, or look, Edward simply gave his pick. “Love and Basketball.” A 2000 rom-com, Love and Basketball, is a movie that narrates the struggles of two basketball players, a boy and a girl. The important developments in their lives are shown in four phases, each depicting the four quarters of an NBA game.
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It has almost everything a person goes through in their life as a basketball player. From fame, wealth, and relationships, to the post-life of an injured player in this 2 hour movie. Add the struggles a woman has to face in the early days of choosing basketball as a career, and Edward’s choice is understandable.
Shaquille O’Neal’s 1996 movie was a disaster
Kazaam was a 1996 film that starred Shaquille O’Neal as a 3000-year-old genie trapped in a bottle. As much as the story had a universal appeal, what with Aladdin and the Magic Lamp all the rage, the plot failed to deliver. According to popular critics and websites, Shaq was pretty good, but the filmmaking, and casting of characters, all failed to deliver the promise.
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Well, this might not be his best work. But the Big Shaq does boast quite a few films under his belt. And the fact that Kazaam is nowhere near a basketball film makes his suggestion to Anthony Edwards all the more ridiculous. But anyway, Edwards is certain of his choices; be it his favorite movie, or the next shot on the court.
His confidence in himself without the negative points is what has made him a fan favorite and what will take him much farther in the league.