Anthony Edwards joins LeBron as only teenagers with multiple 40-point games

The No. 1 overall pick tied a career-high on Wednesday, setting multiple benchmarks in the process.

On Wednesday, Minnesota Timberwolves rookie Anthony Edwards produced his second 40-point game of the season, joining LeBron James as the only two teenagers in NBA history with multiple 40-point performances.

Edwards, 19, tied a career-high with 42 points, including 16 points alone in the third quarter, during a 139-135 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. He finished the contest by converting on 8-of-9 shots from 3-point range to set the Timberwolves single-game record by a rookie.

The No. 1 overall pick also contributed seven assists, six rebounds, one steal and one blocked shot in 38 minutes of work. He joined James and Kevin Durant as the only teenagers to register at least 40 points, five assists and five rebounds in a game.

“Obviously, he is a freak,” D’Angelo Russell said. “His body type, he is a physical guy and can get to the rim. He, obviously, can make a shot, too, so when he has got both of those going, I think the league is going to have to be ready for him. They are going to have to prepare for him a little more.”

The performance by Edwards certainly was his best of the season.

Perhaps most impressive was his efficiency in the contest as he finished 17-of-22 from the field. He is the first 19-year-old with 40 points and eight 3-pointers in a game and the first rookie to reach those numbers on 80% shooting or better from beyond the arc.

The shooting display came after the Timberwolves had a couple of days off in the schedule. Edwards said afterward that he was able to get some work in and attributed that to his strong night.

“When I’m able to get some extra work in, when I’m not too tired and can actually get a good workout in, I think I have a pretty good performance,” Edwards said. “The last two days I got some good work in, we had a couple of off days. It was pretty good.”

The latest effort by Edwards likely only stirred the Rookie of the Year debate, which is likely down to him and LaMelo Ball. The injury to Ball opened the door for Edwards and he has responded with his best basketball of the season to close out his rookie campaign.

Whether or not Edwards takes home Rookie of the Year honors is another debate, but the Timberwolves guard has proven to be worthy of being the top pick in the draft.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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