It's officially happening. The Minnesota Timberwolves will be taking on the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference semifinals beginning on Tuesday. After Stephen Curry and the Warriors' Game 7 win on Sunday evening, the Dubs will be back in the second round for the third time in the last four seasons.
Meanwhile, the Wolves had been waiting around to learn their opponent since Wednesday, when they officially knocked the Los Angeles Lakers out of the playoff picture. Given that they drew the seventh-seeded Golden State, Minnesota will have home court advantage for this coming round, which will give them a big advantage in theory.
The Timberwolves will also be significantly more rested than the Warriors. But that's far from the most interesting storyline in this must-see TV matchup. One of the most intriguing parts of the fact that these two squads will be matching up involves two of the biggest names in the series: Anthony Edwards and Draymond Green.
We all know about Draymond's antics on the hardwood. He's a gritty, physical player that many would argue takes things a little too far sometimes. Well, in at least one way, that's why Edwards will be looking forward to the matchup.
Anthony Edwards: “I want to play the Warriors [in the playoffs]. Wherever they at, I want to get to them.”
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 25, 2023
Reporter: “Why the Warriors so much?”
Edwards: “Because Draymond [Green] talks so much trash.” 🗣️👀
(via @Heir_Company)pic.twitter.com/KgxnsBOnXr
Edwards stated in 2023 he wanted to play GSW in the playoffs
During an interview back in 2023, Edwards was asked what he was most looking forward to in the upcoming season. His answer was that he was excited to get back to the playoffs, and specifically that he would like to take on the Warriors in a playoff series.
When asked why the Warriors specifically, Ant's response was direct and honest. "Because Draymond [Green] talks so much trash," he said. This was just another example of Edwards' confidence on full display.
He's never going to back down from a challenge. So when Ant watches the way Green talks on the hardwood, it seems to ignite something within him. Not to mention the fact that Edwards knows Draymond and Stephen Curry are the owners of four championship rings each.
Edwards knows how capable he is and how talented his team is, but taking down those guys would have to feel like an extra bit of validation. And for that matter, Ant has already led the way in knocking off multiple legends in the playoffs.
The Timberwolves sent Kevin Durant home last April, and now LeBron James and Luka Doncic got the same treatment less than a week ago. There's no doubt Edwards would love to add the greatest three-point shooter of all-time and his trash-talking teammate to that list.