After a vicious dunk from Anthony Edwards headlined his first matchup with James Wiseman, the pair of top 2020 draft picks put on a show in the second contest of a two-game series between the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Helping push Golden State to a 123-11 victory over Minnesota at Chase Center, Wiseman tallied a new career-high with 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting. The Memphis product added six rebounds and two blocks off the bench in 24 minutes for the Warriors.
Wiseman added to his rookie highlight reel with an eye-popping sequence in the third quarter. On the defensive end of the floor, the rookie big man defended the rim with a fierce block on a drive from Minnesota’s Jake Layman. Wiseman then ran the floor, leading to an emphatic one-handed slam dunk in the lane.
Via @ESPNNBA on Twitter:
James Wiseman doing it ALL on both ends 🔥 pic.twitter.com/IfF6c9cw6R
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 28, 2021
Along with his high-flying dunk, Wiseman showed off his shooting from long-distance. The 19-year-old center drilled three triples on three attempts from beyond the arc. Prior to his trio of 3-pointers, Wiseman’s last made jumper from deep came on Jan. 8 against the Los Angeles Clippers. Wiseman’s shooting performance against Minnesota was the first time he’s notched more than one 3-pointer since Christmas day against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Via @anthonyVslater on Twitter:
Two straight James Wiseman right wing 3s. He hadn’t hit a 3 in eight games. pic.twitter.com/XTPLCykGzF
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 28, 2021
Edwards matched Wiseman’s effort, scoring 25 points on 9-of-19 shooting from the field with five 3-pointers. The 2020 No. 1 overall pick added four boards, three assists and a pair of rebounds.
The past two games could be a preview of what’s to come between the pair of top draft picks. Whenever Wiseman and Edwards line up against each other on the hardwood, it should be something to keep an eye on.
Via @Ballislife on Twitter:
ROOKIE DUEL!
James Wiseman
25 PTS (career-high), 9/14 FG, 3/3 3PT, 6 REB, 2 BLK in 24 MINSAnthony Edwards
25 PTS, 9/19 FG, 5/8 3PT, 4 REB, 3 STL in 32 MINSpic.twitter.com/1UH391Dx1W— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 28, 2021
