The Minnesota Timberwolves are now seeded 10th, with the same record as the 11th-seeded Phoenix Suns. Their most recent result was a 117-104 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

Things don’t get any easier next, as the Timberwolves face last year’s NBA finalists, the Dallas Mavericks, who boast a superior record of 19-10.

Kyrie Irving on Anthony Edwards

The Mavericks prepared for their Christmas game against the Timberwolves with a 132-108 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Mavs locker room manager and NBA veteran Kyrie Irving looked ahead to the game during his press conference and spoke of his admiration for rising star Anthony Edwards.

Irving admitted he had studied Edwards before the game and sees a lot of admiration for the 23-year-old.

He said: “Just like great artists or great athletes before him, he took a lot of other people’s games and implemented his own.” That’s what makes you special, that’s what makes you great.

“I watched film on him yesterday and when I saw him attacking his guys while he’s out there, he really wants to win. And if you have that mentality every single day, it will eventually rub off on your teammates.”

Kyrie Irving on the Timberwolves’ problems

This season has not been an easy one in Minnesota as, despite their problems, the fans have been critical of coach Chris Finch and have now suffered three defeats in a row.

The team’s struggles can be traced to the Karl-Anthony Towns trade, in which the Timberwolves finished second best.

Julius Randle has been criticized while Donte DiVincenzo is still adjusting to life in Minnesota.

Anthony Edwards has publicly expressed his frustration at the team’s poor form amid fan backlash.

Irving says he sympathizes with Edwards’ frustrations and sees him trying to push his team forward despite the inconsistent record.

He said: “They’re still in the process of building their identity with J-Randle, but for Ant specifically, he’s been very vocal in the media about his team trying to get something going.”

“And as a young player, one of the hardest things about running the franchise is carrying all of that. So I give him credit. I respect him even more. But you can tell he’s getting advice from other people in the league, and the people he was in the US will give him advice.

“You can just tell he’s getting advice, but he’s also figuring out his own situation because he’s so stubborn. You know, he feels like, “I got it.” So it’s great to see especially young players who are like that and getting better.”

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