The San Antonio Spurs have emerged as the better team in the Western Conference semifinals against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. After the Wolves went down 95-128 with eight minutes left in regulation, head coach Chris Finch took out the rookie squad. At that moment, Ant-Man went up to the Spurs bench to dap up the opponents, but has caught flak from fans and other fellow players.
The Dallas Mavericks legend, Dirk Nowitzki, failed to see the reason behind Ant’s action and called the youngster out for giving up before the game even finished. During an analysis session on Prime Video, the former German forward said:
“I’ve watched the NBA & been a part of it for a long long time. I’ve never seen this. A guy walking into the huddle with 8 minutes to go in the 4th and dapping up the entire team. Too much for me.”
Other panelists and former NBA superstars Blake Griffin and Udonis Haslem agreed with Dirk and criticized Anthony Edwards’ actions as the leader of the squad. Teams shake each other’s hands at the end of the game as a symbol of sportsmanship. However, at the NBA playoffs level of competitiveness, such actions can be detrimental to the team and its confidence.
“Just trying to get them the respect,” Anthony Edwards on dapping up Spurs before game-end
The Spurs showcased their defensive hold on the Timberwolves in Game 6. The terror of the reigning Defensive Player of the Year was evident, as both Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert struggled immensely in the game, especially in the paint. While Randle was limited to just one field goal, Gobert could not get on the board.
The 4-time NBA All-Star, who scored 24 points, was asked about him dapping up the opponents with eight minutes to go. He said:
“At that point, you know you ain’t going back in, so you’re just trying to get them the respect that they deserve.”
Anthony Edwards has been appreciative of Wemby and what he can do with a basketball in his hands. They share a good bond off the floor as well. However, Stephon Castle was clinical with a double-double of 32 points and 11 rebounds, along with six assists.
The Spurs will battle with the top seed of the Western Conference in the conference finals next. The OKC Thunder haven’t lost a single game in the postseason yet, but overcoming the 7-foot-4 giant from France won’t be a cakewalk. Game 1 of the series is scheduled on Monday, May 18, at Paycom Center.
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