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Christmas Day always sits near the top of the NBA calendar, and the league once again saved one of its biggest stages for last. The Minnesota Timberwolves head to Denver to face the Nuggets in the final game of the holiday slate, a matchup built around star power and recent postseason history. At the center of it all stands Anthony Edwards, who enters the game playing some of the best basketball of his season.
Minnesota arrives riding strong momentum, winning 10 of its last 12 games and climbing into the upper tier of the Western Conference. Edwards has driven much of that surge, delivering consistent scoring while carrying increased responsibility on both ends of the floor.
That confidence showed up clearly when Edwards spoke with Shams Charania of ESPN ahead of the holiday showdown, per Yahoo.
“It’s gonna be a night,” Edwards said. “I’m gonna have 30, for sure. I might have 40. But it’s gonna be a night.”
Edwards Sets the Tone for Christmas Stage
The bold words match the form Edwards has displayed throughout December. Over Minnesota’s recent 12 game stretch, he has averaged nearly 30 points per contest while shooting efficiently from both the field and beyond the arc. Even after missing time with injury earlier in the run, Edwards returned without hesitation, continuing to anchor the Timberwolves’ offense.
This will mark Edwards’ second career Christmas Day appearance. Last season, he delivered a complete performance in a holiday win, showing comfort under the spotlight. This year, the challenge ramps up against Denver, led by Nikola Jokic, on the road and with postseason implications already simmering.
Edwards has not shied away from those moments. Since the start of December, he has produced multiple 40 point performances and is coming off a 38 point outing against the New York Knicks. That rhythm explains why Edwards sees Christmas not as pressure, but as opportunity.
Minnesota’s recent success has also strengthened the belief inside the locker room. The Timberwolves have leaned on Edwards’ shot creation late in games, and his ability to rise in high leverage moments continues to define their identity.
A Memorable Night On and Off the Court
Edwards’ performance against the Knicks also sparked attention beyond the box score. After knocking down a third quarter three, he unveiled a new celebration that quickly made the rounds online, per Larry Brown Sports. The moment added another layer to an already memorable night, one where Edwards finished with 38 points and led Minnesota to another statement win.
The celebration drew comparisons to Ja Morant, who has long been associated with similar gestures. Edwards did not linger on the moment afterward, instead letting his play speak louder than anything else.
That focus now shifts fully to Christmas Day. The Timberwolves enter the matchup firmly in the Western Conference race, and Edwards continues to elevate his profile with each marquee appearance. His willingness to set personal benchmarks publicly only adds to the intrigue.
Whether Edwards reaches 30, pushes toward 40, or simply delivers another commanding performance, one thing feels certain. The league’s final Christmas game will revolve around his presence, his confidence, and his belief that the night belongs to him.
Burtland Dixon Burtland Dixon is a sports journalist covering the NBA and athlete culture for Heavy.com. A former Division II athlete turned journalist, he offers a unique blend of locker room perspective and storytelling expertise. He has more than eight years of experience in digital media and previously served as an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints, with additional bylines at Idolator, Trend Chaser, and Buzznet. Burtland is based between California and New York. Instagram: @showmi_more More about Burtland Dixon
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