The Minnesota Timberwolves begin a Western Conference semifinals series against the Golden State Warriors, pitting rising star Anthony Edwards against veteran guard Steph Curry. The matchup highlights a generational shift in the league, with Edwards aiming to continue his recent success against established players.
Edwards and the Timberwolves host the Warriors on Tuesday night at Target Center to start the best-of-seven series. Minnesota advanced after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round. The Warriors earned their spot by winning a seven-game series against Houston.
Edwards has gained recognition for defeating teams led by prominent players in recent postseasons, including Kevin Durant and LeBron James. He averaged 26.8 points in the five-game win over the Lakers.
Curry spoke ahead of the series, noting Edwards’ confidence. He said the Warriors understand they will need a defensive plan against him.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr has a connection to Edwards, having coached him on the U.S. Olympic team. Kerr observed Edwards’ competitive nature firsthand during practices, where he engaged in shooting contests and banter with veteran players.
Kerr also recalled a pre-draft workout with Edwards in 2020 when the Warriors held the second pick. Kerr and then-general manager Bob Myers were not initially impressed with what they saw, according to both Kerr and Edwards.
Edwards recounted being told by Kerr and Myers during dinner that they would not select him with the first pick if they had it. Edwards said he was told he did not work hard enough, despite feeling exhausted during the workout.
That interaction served as motivation for Edwards. He stated that he and his trainer decided they needed to increase their work ethic, leading him to become determined in his training sessions.
Kerr confirmed the exchange, describing the initial workout as seemingly lackadaisical. He said he asked to see more effort, comparing it to the work ethic of players like Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Klay Thompson. Kerr added that a subsequent workout two weeks later showed Edwards’ increased effort and talent.
While the Timberwolves selected Edwards first overall in the 2020 draft, the pre-draft comments remain a point of reference for Edwards as he prepares to face Kerr and Curry in the playoffs. Edwards averaged 26 points in four regular-season games against the Warriors this season, winning three of those contests.
