A thrilling series is now underway. The Minnesota Timberwolves fresh off biting down the Denver Nuggets in a tantalizing Game 7 were back to becoming hosts. They welcomed the Dallas Mavericks headlined by Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. It was destined to be the war of the future. Doncic vs Anthony Edwards was set off. Ant’s fire was felt in the building immediately. His mic caught him saying he could guard Irving efficiently. Little did he know what was in store for him.

It was a pure form of basketball. The Dallas Mavericks guard, who has been criticized for his depleted scoring erupted against the best defense in the NBA this season. No shot seemed out of the realm of possibility for KAI. Moreover, his flurry of scoring began shortly after Edwards’ bold confession on TV.

It seems that didn’t sit well with the crafty scorer. He erupted for 24 points in the first half, helping the Dallas Mavericks stay within striking distance of the home team. At the break, Charles Barkley had some words for Edwards. Rather it was a lesson.

Charles Barkley alerts Anthony Edwards of his critical mistake

Irving had left everyone on Inside The NBA on TNT floored. The All-Star guard didn’t seem fazed by the tenacious defense applied by him to Edwards and the Wolves. He simply glided to his 24 points and didn’t pull an expression once. His face seemed one of purpose as he single-handedly carried the Mavericks past the first half.

There seemed to be an obvious twitch in Irving’s motion. And Charles Barkley knew exactly what that was. “Well. if a wolf and a bear get in a fight, the bear gonna whoop the wolves a**. I told you not to poke the bear. Kyrie took that personally like ‘Yo, did this dude just say he can guard me on TV?’. He took that personally”, said the NBA legend. “I love Anthony Edwards but the bear biting back”.

It seems it is true. Irving has barely missed from the floor. He is shooting 11 for 14 and has only attempted a single three yet. His arsenal of weapons is like a ticking time bomb, it is certain to expand. Countering Irving in that mood is going to be a pesky task for the physical Wolves defense.

Additionally, it’s going to take an Anthony Edwards retaliation fire to match KAI’s barrage. A whole half is yet to be played. The ‘Bear’ currently holds the advantage. However, this ‘wolf’ isn’t scared to fight alone. Can Edwards turn his fortune and make true to his public promise?

Sporting world goes bonker off Kyrie Irving

Irving set the NBA world ablaze with his mesmerizing first-half display in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. “Sheesh Kai” wrote Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star Donovan Mitchell on X. He wasn’t alone. Soon Ja Morant, someone who has built his game around the Mavs guard wrote, “omg kai”. Others also commented.

Furthermore, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes cheered on for the Mavericks. “Good first half! Let’s start knocking down some 3s!!”, he wrote on X. The Mavericks will need to bring their perimeter offense in play and pressure the incessant Wolves defense to have some success against them.

Luckily, with Kyrie Irving going, an enticing second half could be promised.