Anthony Edwards' improved play could result in an unexpected honor

Anthony Edwards' play has rightfully been praised this season. The 24-year-old is having a career season, averaging 28.9 points, on 50/40.9/78.7 shooting splits. However, one area that I don't think gets discussed enough is his growth as a clutch time scorer.

Before this season, the Minnesota Timberwolves star had never shot above 43 percent from the field in clutch time situations. While he had his clutch moments, Edwards was never an efficient clutch time scorer. This season, it's been a completely different story, though, as Edwards is shooting an absurd 70.7 percent in the clutch. Nobody else with at least 30 clutch time shots is shooting above 60 percent from the field.

Edwards also has an 80.5 clutch effective field goal percentage, which is the highest mark in league history. His Sunday night performance was the latest example of his clutch time play. Edwards scored nine points in the final 5:17 minutes of the game, including a game-sealing shot where he took Victor Wembanyama off the dribble. Ant-Man helped the Timberwolves mount a 19-point comeback.

It's not a super prominent award, but as of right now, Edwards should be the runaway favorite for Clutch Player of the Year.

Edwards has a clear path to winning Clutch Player of the Year

While Edwards ranks third in clutch points per game, his efficiency and importance to his team are unmatched. I've already mentioned his impressive efficiency, but let's take a look at how important Edwards is to his team in late-game situations.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic are the only two players who average more clutch points than Edwards. However, both of these players have more options around them. In SGA's case, both Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams are effective clutch time scorers. Yes, Williams has struggled in clutch time this season, but this isn't typically the case, and Holmgren is shooting an impressive 64.7 percent from the field in the clutch.

Jokic is currently injured, but Jamal Murray is one of the best closers in the league. He is shooting 47.1 percent from the field in the clutch on 2.3 attempts (just 0.5 fewer shots than Jokic).

Julius Randle is a fantastic all-around co-star, but he is shooting below 40 percent in the clutch. The Wolves' clutch time offense mostly boils down to Edwards' elite all-around scoring -- and it works. Minnesota has shot up from the 24th-ranked clutch time winning percentage to the seventh-ranked clutch time winning percentage in large part due to Edwards' improved clutch time play.

Ant's growth as a mid-range scorer is a key reason for his improved clutch time play. This allows Edwards to counter elite rim protectors and score from more areas of the court. Edwards' decision-making and ability to read the defense also stand out, especially in these late-game scenarios.

When talking about honors that Edwards' improved play could result in an All-NBA First-Team tends to get brought up. I feel like this is a likely honor given Ant's stellar play and some of the injuries around the league.

Nevertheless, if Edwards continues his current production, I think it's a borderline certainty that he will win Clutch Player of the Year, and his improved late-game play deserves a ton of praise.