There’s a moment in every iconic rise-to-power story when the star becomes untouchable. Think Al Pacino in the final stretch of The Godfather, or Michael Jordan hoisting his first championship trophy. Even Arya Stark in Game of Thrones, suddenly lethal and unstoppable. Game 5 versus the Lakers? That was Anthony Edwards’ arrival — his undeniable leap into greatness.

It wasn’t his most dazzling night. Not like the 43-point explosion in Game 4. Not like the Jordan-style dominance of Game 3. Not even one of his signature, gravity-defying dunks that seem to rupture the timeline and crush opponents’ spirits. No — this was something colder. More methodical. Ant knew what the moment demanded and delivered with precision. Like a veteran assassin. Like someone who’s done this a dozen times before. He didn’t dominate by scoring — he controlled the floor with presence.

That presence — call it gravity — is a rare force. Only the elite have it. The kind of influence that makes defenders forget their training and panic with every glance. The kind that draws help 30 feet from the hoop, freeing Mike Conley for a dagger three. Edwards didn’t need 40 points. He needed to command the game. And he did exactly that.

So how did we get here? Let’s rewind.

Last year, the Wolves made quick work of Kevin Durant and the Suns — four games, done and dusted. But it was more than a win; it was a statement. Then they shocked the reigning champion Nuggets with a wild 20-point comeback in Game 7. After dethroning two NBA titans, Edwards couldn’t be ignored any longer.

Then came Paris and the 2024 Olympics. Edwards wasn’t leading in scoring. He wasn’t torching defenders like in the playoffs. But what stood out was how seamlessly he fit in. Veterans like LeBron, Durant, and Steph — not exactly generous with praise — had glowing words for him. This wasn’t a kid tagging along. He belonged. He was invited into the inner circle.

Back to the season: turbulence hit hard. KAT was traded. Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo entered mid-show. The early stretch was shaky. Wolves fans hit panic mode. But then came the surge. March and April? Nearly flawless. They clawed out of the play-in, landed the 6 seed, and were supposedly heading for a noble defeat by LeBron and Luka.

Plot twist: it was anything but noble. It was a beatdown.

Edwards didn’t average 35, but what he gave was even more valuable — confirmation that he’s elite. Four wins in five games, capped by a backbreaker in L.A. It was Ant who demanded attention. Ant who twisted the defense. Ant who made the offense hum, even while shooting 0-for-10 from three in Game 5. That’s not hype — that’s legendary. And for Lakers fans? That’s haunting.

Now, the rest of the cast deserves credit too — no one does this solo. Even Jordan had Pippen and others. Rudy Gobert reminded the world why he owns multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards. In Game 5, he finally posted a 20-20 stat line — 27 and 24, plus soul-crushing putbacks. The guy was unstoppable. The doubters? Silent now.

Julius Randle? A wrecking ball in Game 5. When the Lakers made a push, he slammed the door shut. There was a stretch where he seemed to be mirroring LeBron — point for point, drive for drive. The Julius Randle Experience can be chaotic, but when it clicks? It’s pure electricity.

McDaniels fouled out, sure — but his impact was felt early. Still a premier perimeter defender and steadily improving on offense. And Conley? The vet. The calm hand who drained the series-sealing shot — set up by Ant, naturally — like he’s been doing forever. Because, well, he has.

Now, let’s look at the Wolves’ hit list over the last year:

Kevin Durant

Nikola Jokić

Luka Dončić

LeBron James

That’s not a playoff run. That’s a purge.

Next? Golden State or Houston. Curry or chaos. But honestly? It doesn’t matter. The Wolves just dethroned the NBA’s crown jewel — on their floor — with their star ice-cold from deep. This isn’t a feel-good tale anymore. This is real.