Ant and KAT lead the way on the road to force a Game 5 back in Minnesota! 🐺🐺

Edwards: 29 PTS, 10 REB, 9 AST
Towns: 25 PTS (9-13 FGM), 5 REB, 4 3PM

Game 5 tips Thursday at 8:30pm/et on TNT 🍿 pic.twitter.com/1Akarqib5l

— NBA (@NBA) May 29, 2024

Having lost the first three games of this series by a combined 13 points, the Minnesota Timberwolves knew they were never out of this series. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving had controlled the matchups through three games.

But Dallas’ margins of victory were ever so slim. After a Game 4 in which Minnesota controlled the tempo and felt like the better team all night, the air inside this series suddenly feels different. Now, if they can get a win back at Target Center, the Mavs and their fans would find their palms sweating a little bit.

Entering game 4, Kyrie Irving was a perfect 14-0 in closeout games. Not anymore. And now, the Timberwolves are just three wins away from making the history that point guard Mike Conley said they would.

Minnesota Timberwolves leave Dallas with confidence

22-year-old Anthony Edwards, who was mic’d up again for all of game 4, was back to being his affable postgame self, praising (and clowning) teammates at every turn. You want a game 5 guarantee?

He gave you that too, telling reporters that he’s already promised Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, who was sitting courtside, that he’d bring him some AE1’s when he returns to Texas for game 6.

Q: "Ant you told somebody in the hall you'd see them for game 6, where does that confidence come from"
Ant: "Micah Parsons was rockin' the AE1 and I told him he wear a size 14 I'd bring him back some nice shoes for game 6" pic.twitter.com/lkOxuHqbcU

— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) May 29, 2024

If you haven’t noticed by now, Edwards’ shoes are having something of a moment, and Dallas Cowboys star defensive player Micah Parsons was rocking them during the game. Now, he’ll have a brand new pair for game 6.

Anthony Edwards loves Mike Conley… but not his fit

Anthony Edwards took the microphone postgame and made sure to talk (and make jokes) about the leader of his offense, and elder statesman of the group, Mike Conley, but it wasn’t lost on Ant or any of his other teammates just how important the veteran with ugly pants is to what the Wolves already have and still can accomplish.

It was clear, when Conley missed a game vs the Denver Nuggets, that Minnesota needs him. Luckily, his calf has held up (for the most part) since because remains a foundational part of the lineup.

Ant praises Mike Conley and calls him "Old as f*ck" pic.twitter.com/xD1hyFodB5

— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) May 29, 2024

This postseason, the confidence shown by the Minnesota Timberwolves has resulted in more than a handful of big checks being written. But the one they want to write most, was when Conley suggested to reporters after game 3 that the Timberwolves were going to make history and be the first ever NBA team to come back and win a series where they trailed 3-0.

Give Karl-Anthony Towns his Flowers

Karl-Anthony Towns had forgotten to show up for the first three games of this series and was facing a significant ding on his time with the Timberwolves for it. The second half of Game 4 found him getting into the action, and his three-point prowess showed up in a big way.

Nailing 4-of-5 while hitting 9-of-13 from the field, Finch’s stretch four poured in 25 points. Shaquille O’Neal suggested that meant the crew had to go back to a cold Minnesota, but with temps in the 70’s on Thursday he’s probably been poisoned by a Draymond Green level of confusion.

Chuck: "He [KAT] saved the Timberwolves' season tonight. So just give him his flowers, he deserves it." 🤝 pic.twitter.com/f2SX6TgxTj

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 29, 2024

Towns had 20 points in the second half on Tuesday with 12 of them coming from deep. While he didn’t hit the eight projected by Edwards, he was a catalyst for Minnesota coming out on top. Charles Barkley talked about how Towns’ early shots all came in the paint, and sometimes that’s all it takes for your game to open up. Having not attempted a deep ball in the first half, Towns struggled to miss from there when it mattered most.

Related: Mike Conley Tells Jon K. That He’s About to Cover NBA History

Regardless of what sort of personal trash gets written about him, Karl-Anthony Towns continues to keep his head down, and Tuesday night he saved the Timberwolves season. How that performance can be parlayed from here remains to be seen, but a victory at Target Center would be a good place to start.

Luka Doncic screams at Rudy Gobert

But, with time expiring in the 4th quarter, the home team was up by two points. Then, Luka Doncic put Rudy Gobert on skates right before he hit the game-winning 3-pointer over the DPOY’s head with three seconds remaining. After he hit the shot, he screamed, “LET’S GO MOTHER F*CKER, YOU CAN’T F*CKING GUARD ME” at the back of Rudy’s head.

Here’s the TNT Overtime angle with everything Luka said, including a “let’s go mother f**ker. you cant fucking guard me.” pic.twitter.com/ccfzvfirst

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) May 25, 2024

But that wasn’t the end of Doncic screaming at people, during the last few seconds of this contest. It was the Timberwolves who, down 108-109, got the last opportunity to put the ball in the basket and walk away with game two.

Luka Doncic screams at Minnesota Timberwolves fans…?

With three seconds remaining, Anthony Edwards caught the inbounds pass from the side-out, took one dribble and kicked to Naz Reid for a game-winning three-pointer, after he was quickly double-teamed.

Before that final shot went up, Naz was 6-of-7 from deep, on the night. Unfortunately, Minnesota needed him to be 7-of-8. After one of the most heart-breaking in-and-outs in Minnesota basketball history, Luka was screaming again, this time at what one can only assume are Wolves fans (or a fan) sitting in the first few rows behind the scorers’ table. “YEAH, GO HOME, B*TCH!”

“Yeah! Go home, bitch!” pic.twitter.com/4wOs07RrxC

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) May 25, 2024

It’s almost impossible from the broadcast’s video to know who Luka was yelling at, but one thing is for sure, he isn’t just yelling into the stadium or aiming his screams at the Target Center crowd, as a whole. There is definitely a specific target he is aiming those words at. If we find out who it is, we’ll update you.

Related: Chris Finch Lost His Mind a Little Bit During Timberwolves’ Game 1 Film Session

The Minnesota Timberwolves will play game three vs the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, in a game they have no choice but to win. If they go down 3-0, then Charles Barkley will be right about his call for a sweep.

Did Anthony Edwards call out Kyrie Irving?

Was it a surprise that Edwards was guarding arguably Dallas’ most dynamic scorer, certainly their best off-ball shot creator? Nope, because Ant told the world after putting the Denver Nuggets to bed on Sunday that his defensive matchup vs the Mavericks was Kyrie Irving.

“My matchup is gonna be Kyrie so that’s gonna be fun.”

Anthony Edwards shares early thoughts on WCF against the Mavericks. pic.twitter.com/Rej64yxytW

— Abby Jones (@_abigaiiiil) May 20, 2024

Ernie: “Any thoughts on playing the Mavs [in the next round]?”

Edwards: “It’s gonna be fun, man, you know. Umm, my matchup gonna be Kyrie so that’s gonna be fun. We’ll see what I can do vs him.”

Anthony Edwards after beating the Nuggets in game 7

I was caught by surprise when I heard Anthony Edwards announced that he would be guarding Kyrie Irving, mostly because I wasn’t sure whether or not the Wolves wanted him to disclose that.

Really, there was no guarantee that Ant would be tasked with that matchup, especially given how much the Wolves need Edwards to produce on offense. As was proven last night, it’s difficult to have enough energy offensively when you are chasing Kyrie Irving around on defense all game.

Related: Target Center Roof Leaking During Game 1 of Timberwolves vs Mavericks

What didn’t cross my mind, was whether or not Kyrie would see Ant’s TNT interview as trash talk. But apparently, the former NBA champion did see it that way, at least to some degree.

At the least, Edwards’ postgame interview from the end of that Denver series gave Irving motivation that he used for a monster performance last night. How do we know that? Kyrie got his own postgame interview with TNT after game one and made it clear that he was motivated after Ant ‘called him out’ on national TV.

"I used it as motivation… That's a no fear mentality and that's why we love Ant." 💯

Kyrie on Ant calling him out ahead of Game 1 pic.twitter.com/Mp4zw9Qccl

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 23, 2024

Barkley: “You’re at home minding your business the other night with your family. Probably just chilling, having a nice meal. And then [Anthony Edwards] says ‘I got Kyrie’. That’s the most aggressive you have been, in a long time. I know that had to erk you a little bit?”

Kyrie: “Yeah, I used it as a motivational tool [laughs]. When I was sitting home and I saw it, i was like, ‘this is a nod of respect’ and then also, I know what type of game it was going to be for game one and for the rest of the series.”

I hope Kyrie Irving didn’t actually see what Anthony Edwards said after game 7 and convolute it in his head as trash talk. And I’m not sure how Charles Barkley interpreted it that way either.

Related: BR Names Realistic Wolves Trade Partner if They Blow Up Big Three for Luxury Tax Purposes

If anything, Ant’s mistake was much more based in competitive advantage, than it was bulletin board material. He told Kyrie Irving and the rest of the world who he was guarding in game one. Not only did it allow Dallas to scheme against that, but it also changed Kyrie Irving’s mindset coming in.

Media creating narratives for Minnesota Timberwolves vs Dallas Mavericks

Like, ‘Oh shit, all eyes are going to be on me and the new face of the NBA. I need to prove I’m still a superstar. At the least, I can’t allow him to embarrass me’.

That might not have been the words that fell out of Kyrie Irving’s mouth when he was sitting at that TNT desk (Barkley and the others were too busy putting words in his mouth for him) but that’s pretty much what the above clips said to me.

Related: Paul Allen Watches Timberwolves Games Exactly How You Would Expect

Once he found out Anthony Edwards was his matchup, he knew he had to bring it, and he did. But all this nonsense that Ant called him out is just media-created propaganda. There’s a reason why ESPN and TNT aren’t showing the clip of Ant’s interview (like we did above).

Because once you actually see the clip, most right-minded individuals would realize that Edwards didn’t call Irving out at all. Maybe he said something dumb, from a competitive advantage standpoint, but he didn’t call anyone out.

Despite being the fifth seed in these NBA Playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks embark upon the Target Center having just beaten the No. 1 seed OKC Thunder and they’re determined to play spoiler again. These two squads have faced each other four times this season, with Minnesota winning three of them.

Although there is something to be gleaned from those matchups, plenty of that goes out the window when the lights get this bright, especially when you Kyrie Irving didn’t play in three of those four regular season bouts. So, where does the focus turn for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals?

1. The Anthony Edwards vs Kyrie Irving matchup

If you missed it, the Minnesota Timberwolves star guard Anthony Edwards locked down Jamal Murray in Game 6. Of course, the Denver Nuggets star didn’t give Ant his due, but he made plenty of boneheaded decisions throughout the series, so that’s not surprising. Edwards already focused on Kyrie Irving when speaking after the Game 7 victory, and now we’ll see how that plays out.

“I have not been to Minnesota in probably 20 years” – Charles Barkley

“Bring ya ass” – Anthony Edwards pic.twitter.com/MOtzSzZ7QA

— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) May 20, 2024

Related: Draymond Green Finally Says Something Nice About the Minnesota Timberwolves

Irving is a battle-tested veteran with an NBA championship under his belt. He’s not the same player at 32 years old, but he still averaged more than 25 points per game this season and received comeback player of the year votes. How he pushes Edwards, and to what extent the Timberwolves youngster can lock him down, will be appointment viewing.

2. Can Jaden McDaniels contain Luka Doncic

During the series with the Denver Nuggets it was all about Nikola Jokic. Now the defensive focus shifts from the center position to a small forward. Jaden McDaniels, one of the best defenders in the entire league, will have his hands full when trying to slow the Dallas Mavericks star.

Watch Jaden McDaniels on Jamal Murray through this whole possession. pic.twitter.com/xJ4L2z6yqd

— Steph Noh (@StephNoh) May 17, 2024

Doncic is able to fill it up from all over the court, and he can play both inside and out. McDaniels is seen as more of a perimeter defender, but with his size, it shouldn’t be a mismatch to keep up with Doncic. Throughout the playoffs McDaniels has been something of a savior for the Timberwolves as a second or third option. He will need to remain as much while continuing to bring his calling card defense on a nightly basis.

3. What version of Karl Anthony Towns do Minnesota Timberwolves get?

Chris Finch might be right to call the Minnesota Timberwolves Anthony Edwards’ team. Karl Anthony Towns is the grizzled veteran with tenure though. In this deep playoff run, it’s about the former first overall pick making good on the legacy that Flip Saunders envisioned for him. During the final two games of the Denver Nuggets series, Towns showed up in the absolute best way.

Karl-Anthony Towns was the primary defender on Kevin Durant and Nikola Jokic in back-to-back series, credibly guarding Hall of Famers with vastly different skills while also averaging 19 points on 52/44/83 shooting.

And he put the nail in Denver's coffin: pic.twitter.com/ApVwma4ILo

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) May 20, 2024

Related: Flip Saunders is Smiling Down on Timberwolves Dream He Started

Finch and Micah Nori blueprinted a game plan that had Towns locking down Nikole Jokic. It was an impressive performance. What his impact looks like against the Dallas Mavericks remains to be seen, but he will need to stay composed and in control. The most effective part about Towns’ presence in the playoffs has been staying on the court. Avoiding foul trouble and operating as a significant option will give both he and his team the best chance to advance.

Anthony Edwards left his A-game in Minneapolis, meaning Karl-Anthony Towns, Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels had to pick up his superstar slack and lead the Wolves to their second ever western conference finals (first in 20 years). It’s a surreal moment in Minnesota sports history, especially given how far behind the fell early.

Minnesota Timberwolves open as favorites over the Dallas Mavericks

Now, there are only four teams still playing NBA basketball. The other team that has risen out of the west is the 5-seed Dallas Mavericks, led by Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. Winner goes on to the NBA Finals, a series that the Minnesota Timberwolves have never played in.

And immediately following the end of Denver vs Minnesota game 7, the first western conference finals betting odds were released and the Timberwolves are four point favorites in game 1 (at Target Center) and strong favorites, at -165 (DraftKings) to win the series. At FanDuel, they’re -168 favorites.

Not only are the Minnesota Timberwolves moving on, but they’ve already defeated the team that was considered the best in the west. That doesn’t mean they are automatically in the NBA Finals but this isn’t 2004, when they were walking into an LA team led by Kobe and Shaq, the next NBA dynasty.

Related: A-Rod, Marc Lore Acting and Partying Like Majority Owners of the Timberwolves

Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic are no joke, but that Dallas team has not yet felt the clamps defensively that the Timberwolves are going to put on them. Clearly, that’s what the oddsmakers see too.

The 22-year-old, former Stanford standout cited serious mental health issues that the game of basketball is causing him, as to why he’s pulling the plug on his young career. Terry was drafted number 31 overall by the Dallas Mavericks in 2020.

Tyrell Terry, Mavs’ No. 31 overall draft pick in 2020, just announced his retirement from basketball, citing “the darkest times of my life” and “the anxiety this sport has caused me.” pic.twitter.com/1Spw5iGQ9y

— Callie Caplan (@CallieCaplan) December 15, 2022

Terry was Minnesota Mr. Basketball in 2019 and he helped lead De LaSalle High School to 5-straight state championships. Richard Pitino and the University of Minnesota recruited the 4-star top 125 talent back then but he chose at Stanford. That’s no surprise, given what he has scored on IQ tests.

In his only season at Stanford, Tyrell Terry averaged 14.6 points and 3.2 assists in 34 minutes per game. He found the floor just 13 times in his two seasons in the NBA, playing a total of 59 minutes in his short career.

Hopefully, Tyrell can find the life and happiness he’s looking for outside of basketball.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

The atmosphere at Target Center sent chills down the spine of a Timberwolves fan like me, who was raised by Kevin Garnett and the way he fed off of that arena during every home game. And last night, Target Center was, once again, the place to be. It was on fire before the ball tipped and, by the time it was over, fans were doing “the wave” and Patrick Beverley was shooting Crunch’s T-Shirt cannon.

Something special brewing in MN. ???????? https://t.co/PIzZnHB8JH

— Marc Lore (@MarcLore) March 8, 2022

yes this actually happened. pic.twitter.com/p02AUuIxIJ

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) March 8, 2022

Monday’s victory made five-in-a-row for the Wolves but their hot streak can be traced back much further than that. This is a team that is now 13-4 since January 30, a span that includes victories over Utah, Denver, Cleveland, Golden State and Detroit (twice).

Looking Beyond the Play-In

With 16 games remaining in their 2021-22 regular season, one thing has become clear. The Minnesota Timberwolves will play postseason basketball for the first time since 2017-18 and just the second time since 2003-04.

That’s right, the Wolves are a playoff team… Well, sort of. They’ve guaranteed themselves a top-10 spot in the Western Conference. And top-10 is all that’s needed to make the newly created “play-in tournament”, which was adopted by the NBA as part of their official “Playoffs” before the 2020-21 season.

But to surpass the play-in tournament and guarantee participation in the standard 16-team bracket, the Wolves must climb one more spot in the West, from the 7-seed to the 6-seed, before season’s end. It’s the 7-10 seeds in each conference that enter the play-in tournament and battle for the final (#7 and #8) seeds.

Chasing Denver, Dallas

And there in lies the ultimate goal for head coach Chris Finch, who talked on this subject last week.

“We got to get greedy right now,” coach Chris Finch said. “We’re going to need as many wins as we can get coming down the stretch. We’re going to need as much cushion as we can get.”

“We still got teams in front of us,” Finch said. “Our goal is to finish in the playoffs, not the play-in. That’s been the goal all season. We got to keep pushing.”

Chris Finch (via Star Tribune)

Finch and his Minnesota Timberwolves have their eyes set on the horizon that is painted beyond the play-in tournament. The Wolves want to earn a top-6 seed and guarantee they’ll play a full playoff series. But to do that, they’ll have to make up 2.5 games on (6-seed) Denver, 3.5 games on (5-seed) Dallas or 4 games on (4-seed) Utah.

Both the Nuggets and Mavericks won their games on Monday night and they’re just as hot as the Timberwolves. In their last ten games, Denver and Dallas have combined for a 17-3 record. After being crushed by the Mavs last night, the Jazz (who not that long ago had a comfortable spot saved in the final-16) must be feeling a bit vulnerable waking up this morning. Whichever of these teams flinch first, will likely end up in the play-in, given how well everyone around them is playing.

Losing games is a dangerous proposition if you're in the Western Conference playoff race. The Jazz are 7-3 in their last ten and suddenly feeling play-in pressure. pic.twitter.com/DzEQni5iHK

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) March 8, 2022

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan