Kyrie Irving Makes Honest Anthony Edwards Statement Before Timberwolves-Mavs Game

Kyrie Irving spoke about Anthony Edwards before Wednesday's matchup.

May 24, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) controls the ball against Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) in the second quarter during game two of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images / Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

On Monday night, the Dallas Mavericks beat the Portland Trail Blazers by a score of 132-108.

Kyrie Irving finished with 20 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.

After the game, he was asked about Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards when he met with the media.

Irving: "Just like great artists or great athletes that have come before him, he's taking a lot from other people's games and implementing his. That's what makes you special, that's what make you great. I was watching some film on him yesterday and just seeing him get on his guys while he's out there; he really wants to win. When you have that mentality every single day, it's gonna eventually carry on to your teammates... He's been very vocal in the media. Talking about his team, trying to get something going. As a young player leading a franchise, it's one of the toughest things to do is to burden all that. I give him credit and respect him even more so."

The Mavs will host Edwards and the Timberwolves on Wednesday afternoon in Dallas.

Edwards comes into play with averages of 25.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.4 steals per contest while shooting 44.4% from the field and 41.4% from the three-point range in 28 games.

May 24, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) controls the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) in the first quarter during game two of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images / Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Last season, the Mavs and Timberwolves faced off in the 2024 Western Conference finals.

The Mavs won the series (in five games) to reach the NBA Finals for the first time in 11 years.

“Just like great artists or great athletes that have come before him, he’s taken a lot from other people’s games… That’s what makes you special, that’s what makes you great.”

Kyrie Irving on Anthony Edwards 🗣️

(via @JoeyMistretta_) pic.twitter.com/BVWakRnVzh

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 24, 2024