The NBA Playoffs are nearing their conclusion, with both conference finals just one win away from deciding who will clinch a spot in the NBA Finals. All four remaining teams are relatively young and haven't reached the championship series in quite some time.
In the Western Conference, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards were expected to engage in a back-and-forth battle. However, it’s been Gilgeous-Alexander who has dominated the spotlight, consistently delivering standout performances—including a playoff career high on Monday.
“Before putting up 40 points Monday, Gilgeous-Alexander's previous playoff high was 38 points, which he recorded twice. The 38-point outbursts both occurred this postseason, most recently in Game 2 against the Wolves Thursday,” wrote Blake Silverman.
Meanwhile, all eyes have been on Edwards, especially due to his underwhelming performances when his team has needed him most. He’s struggled against the Thunder and their top-ranked defense—one of the best in the NBA this season.
Despite his recent struggles, Edwards has previously eliminated some of the biggest names in the playoffs over the last two seasons, earning him consideration as a potential face of the league. However, ESPN's Kendrick Perkins believes there's more to earning that title.
“You gotta check the boxes when you’re the face of the league… Bird, Magic, MJ, Kobe, Shaq, LeBron, Steph… they all were family men. They all were married with kids,” Perkins said on First Take.
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On Tuesday night, Charles Barkley also weighed in on the debate, sharing his view on who deserves to be the NBA’s next face—and he pointed to the MVP-level players.
“Hey ESPN, I love you guys. Don't try to make Anthony Edwards the face of the NBA. The face of the NBA is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, [Nikola Jokic] and Giannis. You can't give it to people, they have to take it, and [SGA] is taking it,” Barkley said.
Gilgeous-Alexander has quietly become one of the most consistent stars in the league over the past couple of years. Still just entering his prime, he has plenty of time to further elevate his game—and perhaps, take over the league.