The Mavericks and the Timberwolves recently concluded their first Conference Finals matchup. The game was a close one, with the Mavs securing a win by a score of 108-105. While Twolves lead scorer Anthony Edwards had established a good average in the first and second rounds of the playoffs, his performance saw a steep drop today. As doubts were raised over the reasons, the player and his teammate took it upon themselves to highlight the truth.

During a post-game interview with ‘Inside the NBA’, Kyrie Irving spoke out on his teammates’ performance. He also let everyone know what he predicted about Anthony Edwards and Co. “I knew that they were coming off the Game 7 grueling. Their legs were biting them a little bit tonight, so hopefully, during Game 2 …. we will be a little more prepared”.

Anthony Edwards himself stated during a presser that he and his teammates, without a doubt, came out flat, despite finding their energy during the latter course of the game. He stated, “Everything was on us today. I didn’t get down here as much. Just stuff like that. We were just a little tired, probably”.

During his 41 minutes on the court, Ant-Man was only able to secure 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. This was in part due to the 6-16 field goals, 5-12 three-pointers, and 2-2 free throws that he made. With the 22-year-old shooting guard not putting out his best, it was up to his teammates to pick up the slack.

Unfortunately, with the exception of Jaden McDaniels, no other player could manage to go across the 20-point threshold. At the same time, both Kyrie Irving and his teammate, Luka Doncic, led the scoring effort for the Mavericks by dropping 30 and 33 points, respectively.

The Mavericks’ semifinal run ended on the 18 of May, while the Timberwolves won their series against the Nuggets on the 19. As a result, Kyrie Irving and Co. certainly had an extra day of rest on their hands. An extra day that may have proved all the difference between a win and a loss.

Kai used Anthony Edwards’ “see what I can do” remark as motivation

Kyrie Irving was certainly on top of his game. He dropped his highest score in over six games whilst being guarded by an individual who many people have now dubbed ‘The Next Michael Jordan’.

Before Game 1 of the Conference Finals, Anthony Edwards had put out a statement that said “My matchup is going to be against Kyrie so that’s going to be fun. We’re going to see what I can do vs him”. Well, every viewer who tuned in to watch the game found out how Edwards’ statement did not come to fruition.

When Charles Barkley highlighted Anthony Edwards’ statement post-game, Irving revealed being aware of it and stated that being guarded by Anthony Edwards was a challenge that only compelled him to do better. “I used it as motivation” revealed Irving. “That’s a no-fear mentality, and that’s why we love Ant.”

Game 1 may have been secured in the Mavericks’ favor. However, if recent history has told us anything, it is that Anthony Edwards is no novice when it comes to comebacks!