Following the Minnesota Timberwolves’ impressive 117-93 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night, the atmosphere at the Target Center was electric, highlighted by the presence of a special guest: Dallas Cowboys legend Michael Irvin. As a Hall of Famer and an iconic figure in sports, Irvin’s attendance was a significant nod of respect to the Timberwolves and their star player, Anthony Edwards.
After the final buzzer, Irvin took a moment to congratulate Edwards, who has emerged as one of the standout players in the NBA. However, what caught the attention of many fans was the unexpected kiss Irvin planted on Edwards’ cheek after they posed for a photograph. While the moment was likely meant to celebrate their friendship, it stirred up a bit of chatter on social media, with some fans expressing their surprise at the display of affection. One tweet humorously remarked, “I did not have Michael Irvin kissing Anthony Edwards on the cheek on my NBA playoffs Bingo card for tonight, but there you have it.” Another user chimed in, saying, “He better be some sort of family friend for a while ‘cause that’s just weird!”
In the aftermath of their brief encounter, Edwards appeared unfazed during his post-game interview, reflecting on his admiration for Irvin. “Yeah, that’s OG, man. I met him before; I got nothing but love for him,” he said, reinforcing the mutual respect shared between the two sports figures. It’s clear that Edwards values the mentorship and friendship of established icons as he navigates his own rising career in basketball.
Teammate Julius Randle, who hails from Dallas himself, added another layer to the evening’s events by sharing his thoughts on Irvin’s presence. “That’s like family… for him to come to Minnesota, that’s a pretty big deal,” Randle noted, capturing the excitement that comes with having a sports icon in attendance. It speaks to the close-knit community within professional athletics—how players support each other across different leagues and backgrounds.
Another Twitter user captured the moment succinctly: “Anthony Edwards got people pulling up to Minneapolis, MN. We in the matrix. Michael Irvin was smiling ear to ear for a picture with him.” Such sentiments highlight the blend of fun and seriousness that envelops the NBA playoffs; the atmosphere is undeniably vibrant, infused with moments of warmth amid the high-stakes competition.
On the court, Edwards showed resilience after leaving the first half with an apparent ankle injury. He bounced back strong, finishing the game with 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists, three steals, and one block. His performance was crucial, especially with the series now tied at 1-1. Fans are eagerly watching as the Timberwolves prepare for Game 3, set to take place Saturday, May 10, at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
In nearby conversations, it’s hard not to draw parallels between the journeys of these athletes—a young star like Edwards finding his footing alongside established legends like Irvin. The bonds formed in these moments of camaraderie remind us that in the competitive world of sports, there’s always room for respect, mentorship, and even a little lighthearted affection.
Image Source: Howard Weiss / Shutterstock
