Anthony Edwards regrets calling up Kyrie Irving after the playoffs

Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves expressed regret for a bold comment he made about Kyrie Irving during the 2024 NBA playoffs. After defeating the Nuggets in Game 7, Edwards looked forward to facing Irving, saying, “my matchup is going to be Kyrie, so it will be fun.” But Irving took this as motivation, leading to a streak where he averaged 27 points, ultimately helping the Mavericks eliminate the Timberwolves. Reflecting on the series later, Edwards admitted that he should have left Irving alone, indicating that he learned the hard way about the impact of his words.

By the numbers

• Kyrie Irving scored 30 points in Game 1 of the series and shot 11-of-14 in the first half.
• Irving averaged 27.0 points, 4.6 assists and 3.6 rebounds in the series.

Yes, but

While Edwards’ confidence shows his competitive spirit, it also highlights the potential pitfalls of trash talking in professional sports. Irving’s ability to turn Edwards’ words into fuel demonstrates the psychological edge players seek during critical matchups.

In-game status

• Edwards appears determined to continue his bold persona as the Timberwolves prepare for the upcoming season.
• The anticipated rivalry between the Timberwolves and Mavericks will feature three regular season meetings, allowing for renewed competition.

What’s next

As the season approaches, Edwards is expected to face Irving again on the court. This rivalry could help both players push their limits, draw more attention to their matchups and revive competitive narratives.

Bottom line

Edwards’ experience serves as a reminder that words carry weight in the NBA, and confidence should be balanced with respect for opponents. His willingness to learn from this encounter positions him for growth, while fans can anticipate intense matchups in the future.