Things are heating up in the Western Conference Semifinals series between the Timberwolves and Nuggets.
After Minnesota earned two road wins to storm out to a 2-0 series lead, Denver has returned the favor with two wins in the Twin Cities to even the series at two games apiece. With the stakes rising, a personal battle between Nuggets guard Jamal Murray and Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards has risen to the forefront.
As Game 4 came to a close, cameras captured Edwards exchanging words with Murray. Edwards, who scored a playoff career-high 44 points in the loss, clapped his hands toward Murray as he shared a definitive message.
🗣️ Anthony Edwards talking to Jamal Murray after Denver ties the series 👀 pic.twitter.com/RtfvDSqnxr
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BASKETBALLonX) May 13, 2024
Here is more on the exchange between star guards.
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What did Anthony Edwards say to Jamal Murray?
"I just told his ass, 'We love that — keep talking that — that's what we like.' Well, I love it," Edwards told reporters after the game, indicating that he doesn't plan to back down even though Denver has now tied the series.
Edwards added, "[Murray] ain't say nothing back but I'm pretty sure he heard me — they heard me. We live for that."
The 2024 NBA Playoffs have signified Edwards' status as a burgeoning superstar. Through eight games, the 22-year-old is averaging 32.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.6 assists while shooting 56.0 percent from the field, 44.1 percent from 3-point range and 82.7 percent from the charity stripe.
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More than just his numbers, Edwards' unwavering confidence has resulted in several moments like the one with Murray. In the opening round, Edwards was not shy about exchanging trash talk with his childhood idol, Kevin Durant.
As the second round got underway, Edwards made it very clear that while he respects Murray, he cannot view him in the same light as an "OG" of Durant's stature.
And while Edwards is tired of comparisons to Michael Jordan, the 22-year-old's decision to exchange words with Murray after the series was tied aligns with Jordan's famous message from "The Last Dance."
With the series now standing as a best-of-three, Edwards must make good on the trash talk he lives for to dethrone Murray and the defending champions.