Anthony Edwards Takes on Olympian Lily Zhang in Unforgettable Table Tennis Match
Anthony Edwards is stepping off the basketball court and into the spotlight in a whole new way. The Minnesota Timberwolves guard, known for his electrifying performances in the NBA, has now ventured into the world of entertainment with his new series “Serious Business with Anthony Edwards,” which premiered on Amazon this past Tuesday.
A Unique Concept
The show, produced by Edwards’ own Three-Fifths Media, showcases the athlete challenging a variety of competitors—ranging from fellow athletes to celebrities—in games that test their skills in diverse sports. The series is described as a platform where Edwards embraces competition in all its forms, whether on the court or beyond. The tagline captures his fearless spirit: “On the court or off, he’s ready to challenge whoever, whenever.”
In this inaugural episode, viewers are treated to a thrilling matchup as Edwards faces off against four-time Olympian Lily Zhang in table tennis. This episode promises not only high-energy competition but a glimpse into Edwards’ belief that, with the right attitude, he can take on the world’s elite in any challenge.
A Viral Moment with Steph Curry
The table tennis showdown comes on the heels of a memorable incident during the 2024 Paris Olympics. In a light-hearted moment, fellow NBA star Steph Curry teased Edwards about his skills in ping pong while they were aboard a cruise ship with other athletes. “Ant, they said they could smack you 21-0,” Curry quipped. Edwards, unfazed, shot back, “In what? Ping pong?” He confidently declared, “I’m scoring one point.”
Zhang, an accomplished athlete with six U.S. table tennis championships to her name, has represented her country in the Olympics during the 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024 games. Her extensive experience places her in a prime position to dominate the match against Edwards, who boldly claimed that with a year and a half of practice, he could transition to professional table tennis.
The Matchup Unfolds
Before taking on Zhang, Edwards faced off against former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch in a preliminary match in Minneapolis, where Zhang and Timberwolves teammate Naz Reid were present to witness the action. Edwards emerged victorious, winning 11-4, although the quality of play was humorously described as a less-than-stellar display of “ping-pong.”
As the main event approached, Zhang inquired about Edwards’ nerves, to which he confidently replied, “Nah, hell no.” However, in a show of sportsmanship, she gifted him a ten-point head start in their match to 11. As the game progressed, Zhang showcased her skills by scoring five consecutive points, narrowing the score to 10-5.
In a moment of triumph, Edwards struck a powerful forehand shot, securing a legitimate point and ultimately winning the match 11-5. After the game, Zhang expressed her surprise at the outcome. “I genuinely did not expect that. I thought it would be really easy, I’m not going to lie,” she admitted, acknowledging that with some training, Edwards could indeed become a formidable player.
In a world where athletes often transcend their primary sports, Anthony Edwards is proving that competition can take many forms, and he’s ready to embrace every challenge that comes his way.
