Anthony Edwards’ career with the Minnesota Timberwolves started with No. 1 on his back. Edwards quickly hit fame with the “A1 From Day 1” moniker. But after the 2022-23 season, Edwards decided to wear No. 5.

In his fourth season, in 2023-24, Edwards was set to take the NBA court in jersey no. 5, a number that his then-teammate, Malik Beasley, wore when Ant got drafted. Later, that jersey number was taken by Kyle Anderson. Edwards later told Shams Charania that he always wanted to wear No. 5 on his jersey.

“A1 From Day 1 was given to me,” Edwards told Shams Charania in 2023. “That wasn’t something I created. … I mean, five has always been my number. High school, college, AAU, it has always been a number to me that I always wanted, and I tried to get it when I got drafted. I just couldn't. My teammate [Anderson] had it.”

Five has been far more than a number for the Timberwolves star. It has been with him when he was putting in work in the gym while his family was working hard to keep themselves afloat. It has been a part of Edwards, and the number is a constant reminder of where he comes from. 

“When he had all his greatest accomplishments that actually helped him make it to the NBA, that’s the number he wore before anybody knew him,” Justin Holland, who is Edwards’ business manager and his trainer even before his high school, said.

But his jersey is also a remembrance of the losses he has‌ faced in his life since his birth. He lost his mother, Yvette, when he was just 14.

The pain was multiplied when he lost his grandmother in the same year. Edwards’ mother and grandmother died on the 5th of the month. 

“He’s playing for his family,” Holland said. “It’s a family number.”

Incidentally, Edwards was also born on Aug. 5. The connection to the number 5 took on even more meaning when he stepped on the court on Mother’s Day, determined to honor the woman who had guided his way.

Anthony Edwards dedicates Game 4 win to his mom on Mother’s Day

The Timberwolves star barely speaks about the trauma of losing his mother at a very young age. His boisterous demeanor barely lets anyone register the pain that Edwards might have felt after losing two of his favorite women in the same year. 

On Sunday, Edwards and the Timberwolves played the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals on Mother’s Day.

Edwards led his team to a 114-109 victory with 36 points, converting 13 of his 22 attempts from the field to tie the series at 2-2. After the game, Edwards dedicated the win to his late mother. 

“Today is Mother’s Day, so I just wanted to win for my mom,” Edwards said postgame. “I couldn’t lose this game for her.”

His mother remains the primary inspiration for his competitive drive and daily focus. The victory fell on Mother’s Day.

What are your thoughts on Anthony Edwards' inspiring dedication to his mother?

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Written by

Nandjee Ranjan

Edited by

Utsav Gupta