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USA Today via Reuters
Mar 17, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) reacts during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
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USA Today via Reuters
Mar 17, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) reacts during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Gilbert Arenas warned him. After clinching a win against the Nuggets, the ‘Ant-Man’ picked on the wrong person. For Game 1 against the Dallas Mavericks, the 2X NBA All-Star player challenged Kyrie Irving. And just as Arenas predicted in his podcast, the ‘Ant-Man’ quickly got humbled in battle against Irving. ‘Agent Zero’ recalls that he was reminded of the time he was outmatched by The Flash.
When co-host on Gil’s Arenas podcast asked about what lesson the ‘Ant-Man’ learned from Game 1, Arenas said, “The same lesson I learned when I said something about Dwayne Wade.”
Speaking of the Dallas Mavericks’ win over the Timberwolves and Irving using Anthony Edwards‘ words as motivation, Arenas said, “Some people you just got to shut your mouth about cuz they take that s**t personal but you know like we said it here like. we knew that was going to trigger someone like Kyrie and it showed in the first half.”
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![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago12291311.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
Arenas still has the memories of Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade dropping 37 points after he trash-talked him. During the 2004-2005 season, Arenas was asked about his matchup against Heat and Wade. He made the same mistake as Edwards and trash-talked to Wade. Later, he apologized for it on a call with Wade and explained that his words were misconstrued.
But Arenas knew that he messed with the wrong person and his actions could not be undone.
Gilbert Arenas talks about the consequence of poking Kyrie Irving
The next thing he knew was the Heat legend’ dominating the game against him. We see something similar happening here too.
Right after game 7, Edwards claimed that he would be guarding Irving who is one of the best offensive players. This clearly wasn’t a clever decision. Numerous including Charles Barkley pointed it out. It seems Arenas is right about his claims. Irving dropped 30 points to lead the Mavericks to clinch a Game 1 (108-105) win against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“I think [Kyrie] is about to try to turn up this series. He’s been on chill mode, but the fact that Anthony Edwards publicly said I’m about to guard him, that’s not the person,” Arenas said on the podcast.
“I think [Kyrie] is about to try to turn up this series… the fact that Anthony Edwards publicly said I’m about to guard him… he’s gonna try to body you.”
Gil’s Arena on why Ant Man barked up the wrong tree saying “I got Kyrie” pic.twitter.com/XP1Yntoitb
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) May 23, 2024
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He further added, “The fact that you challenged him, means his engine is on. He’s going to try to sit there and body you. That’s not what you want.”
No matter how big of a trash talker you are, there are players with whom one shouldn’t mess around. One such player was the ‘Flash’. Arenas learned his lesson on the consequences of trash-talking Wade. Has Edwards learned it too, and will he be able to turn the tide? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
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Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.