Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards drops Jamal Murray ‘handcuffs’ line after Kyrie Irving callout

While Edwards previewing his matchup with Irving certainly drew the attention of NBA fans, what he said behind the scenes while leaving Ball Arena on Sunday night is what drew headlines. All throughout this seven-game series against the Nuggets, Edwards made it his mission to take Jamal Murray out of the equation. Murray scored over 20 points in only two games, scoring 35 total points in the Nuggets’ Game 7 loss. After the game, Edwards was in the back hallway celebrating the win when he called out Murray, claiming that he had Denver’s star guard “in handcuffs” throughout the entire series.

In seven games, Murray averaged 18.4 points and 4.4 assists per game while shooting only 40.3 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from three-point range. Murray turned the ball over an average of 2.7 times per game against Edwards and the Timberwolves, and he did so four times in Game 7 on Sunday.

The Timberwolves now find themselves in uncharted territory entering the Western Conference Finals against a team that was recently in this spot just two seasons ago. Dallas has Doncic, Irving, and other playoff experienced players, but the Timberwolves have a certain energy and swag that has helped propel them to becoming one of the best teams in the entire league.

It is not a coincidence that the Timberwolves finished the regular season with 56 wins, their second-most in franchise history. Edwards was at the pinnacle of their success.

Through 11 games in these playoffs, Edwards has averaged 28.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game while shooting 50.4 percent from the floor and 39.8 percent from three-point range. While these scoring and offensive numbers are great, Edwards’ greatest impact has been on the defensive side of the floor, registering 1.7 steals per game and taking on the burden of guarding some of the best offensive players in the league.

What makes Edwards such a special player and results in him drawing plenty of comparisons to Michael Jordan when he first entered the league with the Chicago Bulls in the 1980s is his determination for success. Edwards doesn’t back down from any challenge, and his effort on both sides of the floor is something that translates to the rest of his teammates finding success.

From calling out Kyrie to calling out Jamal after Game 7, Edwards isn’t afraid of anything or anyone.