Chris Finch put Anthony Edwards more on Luka Doncic than Kyrie Irving in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 105-100 win in Game 4 on Tuesday. The adjustment was likely to keep “Ant-Man” a bit fresher down the stretch as the job of chasing Irving around didn’t work well for them. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd countered by giving “Luka Legend” more screens to free his point guard from Edwards’ size, length and physicality.
The Mavs lost but Doncic filled up the stat sheet again, submitting a 28-point, 15-rebound and 10-assist night. Minnesota’s defense held him to 7-for-21 shooting, including 4-for-11 from deep. Still, a reporter noticed how Doncic found space to operate because of the multiple screens from teammates.
Chris Finch had this to say when asked about how Anthony Edwards could be better in dealing with Dallas’ strategy (via Nadine Babu):
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“He does a better job getting through all those illegal screens they set for Luka.”
Finch’s comment was obviously a shot at the Mavericks regarding their strategy to give Luka Doncic space. However, he is also subtly working on the referees, calling their attention to possible offensive fouls.
Regardless of who between Doncic and Irving gets the attention from Anthony Edwards, Dallas’ screens will be there for their point guards. The Timberwolves franchise cornerstone will have to battle through the exacting grind of just staying in front of one of them.
Edwards already has a heavy burden of carrying the offense. Finch is trying to make it easier for him on the defensive end. Minnesota will likely struggle late in the game if “Ant-Man” is winded.
Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves will expect more screens for Doncic and Irving
The Timberwolves have done a solid job of guarding the Mavericks’ pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop plays in the series. Dallas has just been able to execute better down the stretch in three of the four games already played. Jason Kidd will likely stick to the same strategy that brought them on the cusp of an NBA Finals appearance.
Kidd wants Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley on either Luka Doncic or Kyrie Irving in one-on-one situations. Either of Kidd’s point guards can make good decisions after they get favorable defenders when Minnesota is forced to switch. The Mavs are up 3-1 because they have consistently gotten good results out of their point guards getting the matchups they wanted.
The Timberwolves can expect even healthier doses of those screens for Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to dance around with or use as shields. Dallas will not stop putting Anthony Edwards through screens even if Finch moans about the strategy. Minnesota will only be hoping Finch’s ploy of subtly calling out the referees will work for them in Game 5.
