Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama delivered another chapter in what is quickly becoming one of the NBA's best young rivalries on Saturday night.
The Minnesota Timberwolves fell to the San Antonio Spurs 126-123 at Frost Bank Center, but not before Edwards put together the best scoring game of his career with 55 points.
Despite the loss, Edwards made it clear after the game just how much he loves going up against the league's rising star, and he wasn't shy about what he really wanted from the matchup.
Edwards Opens Up About Wembanyama Showdown
After the game, Edwards shared his thoughts on facing Wembanyama and admitted the matchup brings out something special in him.
"They've got Wemby. He's supposed to be the face of the league," Edwards said. "So I've always got to get up for that one. I loved it. I wish we could have just moved everybody out the way and just checked up — me versus him."
When asked who would win that one-on-one battle, Edwards didn't hesitate.
"Me," he replied.
Career Night Falls Short
Edwards scored 39 of his career-high 55 points in the second half as the Timberwolves tried to dig out of a 25-point hole.
He knocked down nine three-pointers and put together one of the most impressive individual performances of the season, but it wasn't enough to get the win.
Wembanyama answered with 39 points and nine rebounds of his own while coming up with big plays down the stretch to help San Antonio hold on.
The loss dropped Minnesota to 27-16 on the season while the Spurs improved to 29-13.
The two teams have now played three times this year, with the series split at two games apiece after Minnesota's 19-point comeback win earlier this month.
A Rivalry Taking Shape
Wembanyama was asked about Edwards' aggressive approach after the game and took the long view on things.
"He's trying to dunk on everybody, so I'm not an exception," Wembanyama said. "I'll be up for the challenge, of course. Over the years, I'll try to block him more than he dunks on me."
The two young stars have clearly built up a mutual respect that only adds fuel to the fire every time they meet.
Edwards is averaging 29.2 points per game this season while Wembanyama leads the league in blocks at 2.6 per contest while also putting up 24.5 points and 10.9 rebounds.
With both teams in playoff position and both players emerging as future faces of the league, this rivalry looks like it's just getting started.
Edwards might not have gotten the win on Saturday, but he made it clear that when it comes to Wembanyama, he's always ready for a battle.