Watch: Anthony Edwards overwhelmed with emotions after 82-year-old grandfather Ben Edwards' heartwarming surprise 

Minnesota Timberwolves rising superstar wing Anthony Edwards received a heartwarming surprise ahead of Monday's road matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. Edwards' 82-year-old grandfather, Ben, was in attendance, marking the first time he watched his grandson play since high school.

During pregame warmups, Edwards, who hails from Atlanta, spotted his grandfather sitting courtside on the baseline. He promptly ran over in apparent jubilation and embraced him. Afterward, the two-time All-Star sat down beside him and engaged in a lengthy conversation.

Per the Star Tribune's Chris Hine, Edwards' grandfather "didn't get out to many of (his) games as he was growing up." Thus, his grandfather watching him suit up in an NBA game for the first time was a "special" moment for him.

Hine added that Edwards' grandfather made a straightforward request regarding how he wanted to see the contest play out.

"I told him to go out there and kick that a**," Ben said. "It'd make me real happy."

Edwards, the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA draft, is midway through his fifth season. He began Monday's game averaging 25.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 4.3 3-pointers per game, shooting 44.8% and 42.1% from deep. Meanwhile, Minnesota (14-13) entered the evening looking to snap a two-game losing streak.

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Anthony Edwards' grandfather on why he decided to watch him play an NBA game for the first time

As for why Anthony Edwards' grandfather finally decided to see his grandson play for the Timberwolves live, he noted that it was on his bucket list.

"Hey, man, it's about time. I'm 82, I'll be 83 in February. I have to go see him at least once," Ben said, via Chris Hine.

He added that his courtside experience in Atlanta's State Farm Arena was everything he hoped for.

"I feel good. Couldn't get much better than this here," Ben said.

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