‘I used it as motivation’ - Kyrie Irving overcomes Anthony Edwards as Dallas Mavericks beat Minnesota Timberwolves

“That no fear mentality that he has is why I love him as a competitor and why I love him as a person,” said Kyrie Irving, after he shook off a bold claim from Anthony Edwards to help inspire the Dallas Mavericks to a 108-105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

It put the Mavs 1-0 up in their Western Conference finals, with Game 2 following on Friday.

As soon as the Timberwolves ended the Denver Nuggets’ title defence in the semi-finals, Edwards declared he would successfully defend Irving, who finished as the game’s second top scorer on 30 points, with five rebounds and four assists.

Luka Doncic had a strong finish, picking up 15 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter - with Irving leading the scoring in the first half, as the Mavs kept their opponents at arm’s length until late in the game.

Edwards, who recorded a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds for the Timberwolves, scored a three-pointer to put his side 102-98 up with 3:37 left, but the Mavericks responded to win Game 1 of a playoff series for the first time under head coach Jason Kidd.

“Right after the game [against Denver] it was funny, because [Edwards] said it right then and there,” Irving said, about Edwards’ claim. 

“I think the whole world was looking like, ‘OK, you better know what you’re talking about, Ant,’ and I respect that.

“I used it as motivation…I saw it, I was like, just a nod of respect. And then also I knew what type of game it was gonna be, Game 1, and also for the rest of the series.

“But also, that's a no fear mentality, and that's why we love Ant.”

Doncic warned after the game that they can expect a backlash from Edwards, who failed to score in the third quarter, saying they have to “put multiple bodies on him” in the next matches, as it’s “kind of hard to stop him 1-on-1”.

Jaden McDaniels top scored for the Timberwolves with 24 points, also chipping in with four rebounds and three assists.

“Terrible offence down the stretch: bad shots, turnovers, no composure,” Wolves coach Chris Finch said after the match. 

“We've got to be better in clutch moments.”

Boston Celtics attempt to build on their 1-0 lead over the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference final, live on TNT Sports and discovery+ from 0100 BST on Friday.

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