Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards Confident He Can Guard Kyrie Irving 1-on-1

Minnesota star believes he can lock down one of the NBA's best ball-handlers.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards recently declared that he is confident he can guard Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving in a one-on-one matchup, despite Irving's reputation as one of the league's premier ball-handlers. Edwards' bold claim comes as the Timberwolves have emerged as a top team in the Western Conference this season.

Why it matters

Edwards' confidence in his defensive abilities against an elite player like Irving highlights the young star's self-belief and competitive spirit, which have been key factors in the Timberwolves' success this season. The potential matchup between the two also sparks intrigue among NBA fans about how the two talented guards would fare against each other.

The details

In a recent interview, Edwards did not hesitate when asked if he could guard Irving one-on-one, stating "Oh for sure I can guard Kyrie... In a 1-on-1 setting, I like me." Edwards has backed up his words on the court, as he recently put up a well-rounded stat line of 20 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals in a win over the Dallas Mavericks. Irving has historically dominated the Timberwolves, averaging 31.6 points per game over his last 10 meetings with the team. However, with Minnesota boasting one of the league's stingiest defenses this season, Edwards is eager for the chance to prove his defensive abilities against one of the NBA's elite players.

  • The Timberwolves defeated the Dallas Mavericks 118-105 on January 28, 2026.
  • Edwards made his comments about being able to guard Kyrie Irving in a recent interview.

The players

Anthony Edwards

A rising star guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who has emerged as a key part of the team's success this season.

Kyrie Irving

An All-Star guard for the Brooklyn Nets who is considered one of the NBA's premier ball-handlers and scorers.

P.J. Washington

A forward for the Dallas Mavericks who tried to keep his team afloat with 21 points in the loss to the Timberwolves.

Julius Randle

The Timberwolves' leading scorer in the win over the Mavericks, finishing with 31 points.

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What they’re saying

“Oh for sure I can guard Kyrie... In a 1-on-1 setting, I like me.”

— Anthony Edwards (ClutchPoints)

What’s next

The NBA world will have to wait and see if Edwards and Irving ever get the chance to face off in a one-on-one matchup to settle the debate over who would come out on top.

The takeaway

Anthony Edwards' confidence in his ability to guard Kyrie Irving one-on-one speaks to the young Timberwolves star's self-belief and competitive spirit, which have been key factors in Minnesota's rise as a top team in the Western Conference this season.