Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards isn't letting internet speculation slow him down. Fresh off capturing the NBA All-Star MVP 2026 award, Edwards erupted for 40 points on Friday night, leading Minnesota to a 122-111 victory over the struggling Dallas Mavericks. The dominant performance came just hours after Edwards addressed a viral video exchange with Atlanta's Jalen Johnson that had sparked rampant trade rumors, reassuring Wolves fans that his heart remains in the Twin Cities.

Edwards Dominates in Return from All-Star Break

Showing zero signs of a post-All-Star hangover, Edwards was electric at the Target Center, shooting 16-of-30 from the field to hand Dallas its 10th consecutive loss. While the Mavericks were missing key pieces, including star rookie Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving, Edwards showed no mercy, particularly in the fourth quarter. When Dallas cut the deficit to four points with under seven minutes remaining, Edwards took over, scoring seven clutch points in the final three minutes—including a dagger corner three—to seal the win.

"I just wanted to come out and set the tone," Edwards said post-game. "We got a job to do, and it starts with protecting home court." The victory marked Minnesota's third straight win, improving their standing in a tight Western Conference playoff race. Rudy Gobert added a massive double-double with 22 points and 17 rebounds, while Naz Reid provided a spark off the bench with 21 points, but the night belonged to Edwards and his relentless scoring attack.

Addressing the 'Come Home' Viral Video

Beyond the box score, the biggest story surrounding Edwards this week was a viral clip from All-Star weekend. Cameras caught Edwards telling Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson that he "can't wait to come home" during an on-court exchange. Given Edwards is an Atlanta native, the clip immediately fueled NBA trade speculation 2026, with fans analyzing every pixel for signs of a future departure.

Edwards wasted no time clearing the air after the Mavericks game. When asked about the interaction, he was direct and dismissive of the rumors. "I don't think there's nothing to clear up," Edwards told reporters. "It wasn't too much, just a conversation. I been knowing Jalen Johnson for a long time. That's my dog. We was just having a conversation. It's really nothing to clear up. I'm happy where I'm at."

The clarification comes as a relief to Timberwolves faithful, who view the 24-year-old as the cornerstone of the franchise for the next decade. His commitment to Minnesota, paired with his "happy where I'm at" statement, effectively pours cold water on the Anthony Edwards Atlanta Hawks rumors for now.

All-Star MVP Momentum Carries Over

Edwards' 40-point explosion was a direct continuation of his stellar play in Los Angeles last weekend, where he led the "USA Stars" to victory in the league's new tournament format. Winning the Kobe Bryant Trophy as the NBA All-Star MVP 2026 seems to have unlocked a new level of confidence in the young guard.

"Ant is playing at a level few guys in this league can reach," Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch remarked. "He's not just scoring; he's controlling the tempo and making winning plays on both ends." Edwards is now averaging a career-high 29.5 points per game this season, cementing his status as a top-tier MVP candidate for the regular season as well.

Mavericks Slide Continues Without Flagg

For the Dallas Mavericks, the loss compounds a miserable February. Without the services of rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, who is nursing a foot sprain, Dallas has looked lost offensively. The Timberwolves vs Mavericks highlights painted a stark contrast between two teams moving in opposite directions—Minnesota surging with healthy stars, and Dallas desperately trying to stop the bleeding while waiting for reinforcements.

As the Timberwolves prepare for a tough stretch of road games, they do so with the assurance that their superstar is not only locked in on the court but fully committed to the franchise off it. For Anthony Edwards, "home" might be Atlanta, but his house is undoubtedly the Target Center.