Context:

Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves expressed his desire to face the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs, primarily due to Draymond Green's reputation for trash-talking. This matchup, anticipated since a 2023 interview where Edwards openly challenged the Warriors, is set to occur in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Both Edwards and Green are well-known for their competitive banter, which was evident during their interactions in past games. Despite the rivalry, after a notable game in December 2024, Edwards and Green showed mutual respect with an embrace. The upcoming series, now including Jimmy Butler III on the Warriors' side, is expected to intensify this budding rivalry further, testing Edwards' past assertions and desires.

Dive Deeper:

• In a 2023 interview, Anthony Edwards clearly stated his ambition to face the Golden State Warriors, citing Draymond Green's trash-talking as a motivating factor for the challenge.

• The long-awaited playoff matchup between the Timberwolves and Warriors is set to occur in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, fulfilling Edwards' earlier comments.

• Both Edwards and Green have a history of trash-talking, as seen in a 2023 game where they exchanged words after Edwards contested a foul by Green.

• In December 2024, Edwards scored 30 points in a win over the Warriors, punctuating his performance by telling the Chase Center crowd to go home and yelling in front of Stephen Curry.

• Despite their on-court rivalry, Edwards and Green demonstrated mutual respect by sharing an embrace after the December 2024 game, highlighting the competitive yet respectful nature of their interactions.

• The Warriors now have Jimmy Butler III, adding another layer to the rivalry with the Timberwolves that has developed over the past two seasons.

• The upcoming playoff series will test whether Edwards will stand by his past statements and whether his callout will lead to regrettable outcomes, as the rivalry reaches new heights.

• Many have often been warned to, "Be careful what you wish for," but it's unclear if Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards subscribes to that notion.

• We'll soon find out whether he should.

• As the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs gets underway, Edwards and the 6-seed Wolves are set to face the 7-seed Warriors. It's a matchup a few years in the making, as a clip of Edwards calling out Golden State has resurfaced ahead of the series.

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• What did Edwards say about the Warriors? Here's why Minnesota's loquacious guard has longed for the chance to face Golden State in the postseason.

• What did Anthony Edwards say about the Warriors?

  In a July 2023 interview, Edwards was asked about his goals and what he was looking forward to in the upcoming season. Unsurprisingly, he didn't mince words.

• "Definitely going back to the playoffs and going further in the playoffs," Edwards said. "I want to play the Warriors — I want to get to them, wherever they're at, I want to get to them."

• When asked why, Edwards kept it simple, saying, "Because Draymond [Green] talks so much trash. That's pretty much the only reason."

• spoke it into existence. pic.twitter.com/zArdNwTwr2

• — Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) May 5, 2025 The matchup was delayed by one season, but the clip began to resurface once Golden State was in position to meet Minnesota in the 2025 West semifinals. And instead of running from the narrative, the Timberwolves posted the clip on their official account.

• NBA PLAYOFFS HQ: Live NBA scores | NBA playoff schedule | NBA playoff bracket

• Clearly, the franchise's social media admin has taken a note from Edwards' tendency to run toward the competition.

• Both Edwards and Green are known as two of the game's best trash talkers, something that was on display during a head-to-head contest in November 2023. After Edwards took exception to a foul from Green, the Warriors forward quickly rebutted: "What you gonna do about it? You not gonna do nothing about it. Stop talking."

• Edwards' response? "Ain't nobody worried about you, bruh. Hell nah."

• Draymond and Ant exchanging words 👀 pic.twitter.com/c2k52dADlN

• — Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 13, 2023 In a 17-point road win over the Warriors this past December, Edwards had a message for the Chase Center crowd after bringing his total to 30 points on the night. As he told Golden State fans to go home, Edwards also made sure to let out a big yell in front of Olympic teammate Stephen Curry.

• Ant buries a three, tells Warriors fans to go home and screams in Steph's face. pic.twitter.com/2wqrGPXyNw

• — CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) December 7, 2024 After that game, Edwards and Green shared an embrace, a reminder that the back-and-forths are rooted in mutual respect and competitive fire.

• This time around, the Warriors will have Jimmy Butler III on their side, adding another element to a rivalry that has bubbled over the past two seasons. With a playoff matchup on the way, the rivalry will be legitimized.

• We'll see if Edwards will come to regret his callout from two years ago.

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