Top-pick rookies James Wiseman and Anthony Edwards clashed, scoring 25 points apiece

James Wiseman and Anthony Edwards are the top two picks in the 2020 NBA Draft. It appears they are both going to face a long road to NBA success.

On Wednesday, James Wiseman produced a career-high 25 points and six rebounds and two blocks leading the Golden State Warriors to a victory over No. 1 overall pick Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Meanwhile, Edwards co-led the Timberwolves with 25 points, four rebounds, three steals and two assists while connecting on a career-high five three-pointers off the bench. Both the performances were packed with moments of brilliance.

Wiseman’s performance came only two games after the second overall pick was moved out of the starting lineup in favour of Kevin Looney. In his first game against the Timberwolves, he recorded 13 points and 4 rebounds, resulting in a win for the Warriors.

“Verticality (at the rim) is something coaches have been on me about all season,” said Wiseman. “I thought this was one of my best games in terms of that. I felt great tonight.” Slightly over a month ago, he became the youngest player in franchise history to start on opening night.

The last No. 1 and No. 2 picks from the same NBA Draft to score pre than 25 points in a rookie-year matchup were Marcus Camby (36 PTS) and Allen Iverson (26 PTS) on March 18, 1997.

The past two games could be a preview of what is to come between the two top draft picks. Although the teams do not see each other again in the first half, whenever Wiseman and Edwards line up against each other on the floor, it should be something to keep an eye on.