Kyrie Irving has addressed Anthony Edwards’ viral feedback about wanting to protect him throughout the Western Convention Finals. Edwards made headlines when he mentioned, “My matchup goes to be Kyrie … we’re going to see what I can do in opposition to him.”
Irving then got here out extraordinarily aggressively in Recreation 1 and completed with 30 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 assists on 52 p.c taking pictures. He additionally helped the Dallas Mavericks to a powerful Recreation 1 win on the street.
Postgame, Irving addressed Edwards calling him out throughout a light-hearted dialogue with the Inside The NBA panel.
“I used it as motivation,” he mentioned with fun, referring to Edwards’ feedback. “Once I was sitting at residence and I noticed it, I used to be similar to, ‘It’s only a nod of respect’. After which additionally, I knew what kind of sport it was going to be for Recreation 1, and in addition for the remainder of the sequence.
“So, you’re proper, I used to be at residence with my household watching Recreation 7 and Ant comes out and says, ‘I bought Kyrie’. But in addition, that’s a no-fear mentality, and that’s why we love Ant. So popping out tonight, I knew that he was going to strain me somewhat bit.”
Irving additionally confirmed Edwards respect in his postgame press convention.
“As a peer, man, I like that,” he mentioned. “It’s nothing higher. When Ant was somewhat youthful, I’m positive he was watching me and when he was in highschool I used to be watching him…that no worry mentality that he has is why I like him.”
Irving vs Edwards can be undoubtedly an intriguing matchup to look at once they do battle once more in Recreation 2 on Friday.
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