Kevin Garnett is enjoying the renaissance of the Timberwolves but he’s keeping his hopes in check ahead of the Western Conference Finals. The last time Minnesota made it this far was in 2004 off the back of The Big Ticket. This time it’s Anthony Edwards being the team’s second coming of KG. As much as Garnett is over the moon for his team, this is the time to keep a level head and be conscious of what one’s facing. And Garnett worries the Wolves have a tough opponent in the Dallas Mavericks. While on The Stephen A. Smith Show, he had a warning for Minnesota before they prematurely acted like the winners.

“When it comes to talent on talent,” Garnett began which Smith interjected is the combination of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Garnett didn’t just agree, he also thinks they’d be a handful for the Antman. “Anthony Edwards have not seen anything like Kyrie.” He went on to give his straightforward opinion, “Luca can beat you, Kyrie can beat you.”

Garnett has admitted on Smith’s show and on All the Smoke, Ant and Karl-Anthony Towns are the duo Wolves needed. They were the best combination against the defending champions with the reigning MVP Nikola Jokic. The atmosphere in Minnesota after beating the Denver Nuggets has been akin to winning the championship. You can’t blame them for feeling a little invincible after eliminating their toughest opponents. However, Garnett wants to remind his old team that there are tougher obstacles on the way.

“They’re confident and if you know going into this Mavericks series I feel like this is gonna be their biggest test. I know you had the champions and you had to dethrone the Champions,” Garnett said before warning them what is on the other side of the court.

Kevin Garnett is wary about one Maverick

The Mavs have been a whole other squad when 2024 rolled around. Doncic was making franchise records, Kyrie is being the best leader. Then in the trade deadline, they added PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford and entered the postseason looking strong. From finishing 5th in the regular season, the Mavs dominated the No.1 OKC Thunder 4-2.

Maybe Doncic can stagger against the Wolves’ defense the way Jokic did in the deciding game. But then there’s Irving, as Garnett says, “Kyrie is a champion.” Per Garnett and Smith, the Timberwolves cannot underestimate Irving’s ability to stay unfazed in a series. He is oozing confidence but is also calm. By most observers’ accounts, Irving’s maturity and experience are rolling out in spades as he pulls the team together and has those guarding him (like James Harden) tripping on their feet.

KG has been continuously supportive of the Minnesota players (despite his feud with the ownership) and is rooting for them to win. But he’s also realistic of their next opponent.