Austin Rivers Draws Hakeem Olajuwon Comparison for Anthony Edwards Ahead of Western Conference Finals
The highly anticipated 2025 Western Conference Finals is set to tip off, with the Minnesota Timberwolves facing off against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The series promises to be an electrifying encounter, with Anthony Edwards leading the Timberwolves against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Thunder. In the build-up to the series, Austin Rivers has recalled the epic battle between San Antonio Spurs’ David Robinson and Houston Rockets’ Hakeem Olajuwon in the 1995 Western Conference Finals, drawing a striking comparison with Edwards’ potential performance.
According to Rivers, the 1995 series between Robinson and Olajuwon "cemented Hakeem as one of the all-time greats." He highlighted Olajuwon’s impressive skills, stating, "His talent, skill, the dream shake. He was quick, light on his feet." Rivers also praised Olajuwon’s dominant performance against Robinson, saying, "Hakeem just took it to him, destroyed him." This series win over Robinson’s Spurs ultimately propelled Olajuwon to new heights, solidifying his reputation as a basketball legend.
Rivers expects Edwards to channel his inner Hakeem Olajuwon in the upcoming series against the Thunder. With Edwards leading the Timberwolves to back-to-back series wins against the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, Rivers believes the young star is poised for an Olajuwon-esque performance. He stated, "This is a Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson situation that we could possibly have right here… We have Anthony Edwards looking at the MVP like, ‘I want that. I’m better than you.’" Rivers added, "He’s gonna win. If I’m Ant, I’m like, ‘How much better are you than me, because I want to see and I’m coming to give it to you, and we’re going to see how good you are.’"
The stage is set for a thrilling series between the Timberwolves and Thunder, with both teams boasting exceptional talent. Edwards is currently averaging 26.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game in the postseason, while Gilgeous-Alexander has put up 29.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game. As the series unfolds, basketball fans will be eagerly watching to see if Edwards can replicate Olajuwon’s heroics and lead the Timberwolves to the NBA Finals.
The 1995 Western Conference Finals battle between Robinson and Olajuwon is often remembered as a defining moment in NBA history. Robinson, the 1995 NBA MVP, was expected to lead his Spurs to the NBA Finals. However, Olajuwon’s dominant performance, including a memorable series win, proved to be the turning point. Rivers’ comments suggest that Edwards has the potential to create a similar moment in the 2025 Western Conference Finals.
As reported by NBA Analysis, Rivers’ comparison between Edwards and Olajuwon has generated significant interest among basketball fans. The Timberwolves’ success in the postseason, coupled with Edwards’ impressive performances, has set the stage for an exciting series against the Thunder. With Rivers’ comments adding fuel to the fire, fans can expect a fiercely contested series between two talented teams.
The upcoming series between the Timberwolves and Thunder promises to be an unmissable encounter, with Edwards and Gilgeous-Alexander set to face off in a thrilling matchup. As NBA Analysis reports, Rivers’ comments have added an extra layer of excitement to the series, with fans eagerly anticipating the tip-off.
