Anthony Edwards shot 9-of-20 from the field and 5-of-8 from the foul line in Sunday’s 127-118 overtime loss to Canada, recording a line of 24 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal, one block, and one 3-pointer in 37 minutes.
Edwards was the United States’ best player throughout the FIBA World Cup, but he was unable to do enough to help the team avoid returning home without a medal for the second consecutive tournament. Mikal Bridges (19/9/4/2 with three 3-pointers) was able to pull off the play that rarely works to force overtime, as he rebounded his own intentionally missed free throw and knocked down a corner 3-pointer. But that only delayed the inevitable, as Canada’s Dillon Brooks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander combined to torch the Americans for 70 points. Going back to Edwards, this summer has the potential to serve as a springboard into superstardom, as he was the Americans’ unquestioned top option at the World Cup. Don’t be surprised if he turns into a first-round fantasy player this season.