Anthony Edwards is no stranger to trash-talking, and he made sure to bring that energy in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks. After the Timberwolves’ thrilling 105-100 victory, leaked audio captured Edwards directing some choice words at Kyrie Irving, reminding the veteran star that the series was far from over.
“Let’s go back to Minnesota… you thought it was over?” (1:17)
The Timberwolves entered Game 4 facing a daunting 3-0 deficit, a position from which no team in NBA history has ever successfully come back. However, Edwards’ confident and brash demeanor set the tone for the night. His verbal jab at Irving came during a moment of the game when emotions were running high, adding a layer of intensity to an already charged atmosphere.
Edwards’ trash-talking isn’t just for show; it’s backed up by his on-court performance. The 22-year-old superstar delivered a standout game, scoring 29 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out nine assists.
His leadership and fiery spirit were pivotal in the Timberwolves’ efforts to stave off elimination. Edwards’ playful yet competitive nature was also evident when he playfully taunted Mavericks’ young guard Jaden Hardy, asking, “You alright, young fella?” after sinking a shot in his face.
Karl-Anthony Towns also played a crucial role in the victory, finding his rhythm and scoring 25 points, with 20 of those coming in the second half. This marked a significant improvement for Towns, who had struggled in the earlier games of the series. His performance, combined with Edwards’ dynamic play, helped the Timberwolves finally close out a game in the series.
For the Mavericks, Luka Doncic recorded his sixth triple-double of the playoffs with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, but it wasn’t enough. Doncic and Irving struggled with their shooting, going a combined 13 of 39 from the field.
The Timberwolves now head back to Minnesota with a renewed sense of hope. Edwards’ infectious energy and trash-talking might just be the spark they need to extend the series further. While the odds are still heavily stacked against them, Edwards’ message to Irving and the Mavericks is clear: “You thought it was over?” Not by a long shot. The Timberwolves are ready to keep fighting.
The Mavericks Need To End This Series Quick
The Mavericks were poised for a sweep, holding a commanding 3-0 lead over the Timberwolves. However, Minnesota’s Game 4 victory has introduced an element of danger. While typically, a 3-0 lead would offer significant comfort, the current NBA climate demands a sense of urgency, even with such a lead.
In today’s NBA, no advantage is safe. The prevalence of the three-point shot has revolutionized the game, allowing teams to erase substantial deficits in a matter of minutes. We’ve witnessed 20-point leads evaporate within a single half, making even a seemingly insurmountable series lead precarious. The Mavericks, therefore, must approach Game 5 with the mindset that they need to end the series immediately.
The recent memory of the Boston Celtics’ near-comeback in the Eastern Conference Finals serves as a stark reminder. Last season, the Celtics were down 3-0 but rallied to force a Game 7 against the Miami Heat.
Unfortunately for them, Jayson Tatum’s injury early in Game 7 and Miami’s exceptional performance sealed their fate. Still, the Celtics demonstrated how quickly momentum can shift in a series, underscoring the importance of not giving an opponent any hope.
For the Mavericks, allowing the Timberwolves to gain confidence and momentum could spell trouble. Karl-Anthony Towns found his rhythm in Game 4, and Anthony Edwards continues to be a formidable force. If the Timberwolves win Game 5 in Minnesota, they return to Dallas with all the momentum, turning what seemed like an inevitable victory into a nerve-wracking challenge.
Ending the series in Minnesota is not just about securing a win; it’s about preventing the Timberwolves from believing they can achieve the improbable. The Mavericks need to come out with intensity and focus, treating Game 5 as a must-win situation. By closing the series in Minnesota, they avoid the risk of the Timberwolves gaining further confidence and the potential of a historic collapse.
The Mavericks have the talent and experience to close this series. However, they must harness their sense of urgency and put the Timberwolves away swiftly, ensuring their path to the next round remains untroubled.
