Following their Game 4 loss, the Lakers are on the brink of elimination. LA has fallen 1-3 to the Timberwolves. Heading into the series, many people sang the ‘Lakers in 5′ tune. Not only is that no longer looking possible, but the odds suggest the Lakers won’t even advance. And Celtics legend Kevin Garnett is thrilled.
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Minnesota has done the unexpected. They hit the Lakers in the mouth in Game 1 and haven’t looked back. Their 116-113 victory sent a statement message not just to Los Angeles but the rest of the league. Anthony Edwards showcased why he is one of the best players in the NBA. He finished the game with 43 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. He was nearly perfect down the stretch to pull off the come-from-behind win.
All this is making Kevin Garnett very happy. Garnett naturally continues to support the Timberwolves, with whom he originally began his career. And the Wolves’ performance has given him a great opportunity to take a dig at former Celtics teammate Paul Pierce, for his bold claims regarding the Lakers.
The legendary power forward took to social media to poke at fun at Pierce for doubting Minnesota. In an Instagram story post, he demanded that Pierce “respect the opponent.”
“What were you saying? Lakers in what?” Garnett asked. “Keep the same energy. Respect the opponent.”
Garnett shared that caption while reposting a clip from his Ticket & The Truth podcast. His comments came before the Timberwolves’ Game 4 victory, but it seems that the team embraced KG’s advice.
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Garnett loves the energy that Edwards and the Timberwolves have been playing with. However, the veteran knows all too well that the job is far from over. He urged the Timberwolves to maintain that energy going forward.
And going by what Anthony Edwards has been saying off court — and doing on it — Minnesota is all fired up to prove a point to LeBron James and the Lakers.
Edwards didn’t back down from LeBron James
In the 2024 NBA playoffs, Edwards made headlines for taking on Kevin Durant. A year later, he has accepted the challenge of going head-to-head with LeBron James.
Many players would be a bit intimidated to not poke James the wrong way. Edwards doesn’t think that way at all. Instead, he wants LeBron to know that Minnesota is there to fight.
“Letting him know we here,” Edwards said. “You ain’t just going to push us around all night.”
Edwards’ confidence and will to accept the challenge of guarding LeBron James is a testament to the player he is. There is a reason the Timberwolves remain so composed and it starts with their 23-year-old leader.
Minnesota will have the opportunity to close out the series in Los Angeles as Game 5 will be on Wednesday, April 30, at 10 PM ET.
