Anthony Edwards recently filmed a commercial with Andrea “Kimi” Antonelli, the young Mercedes Formula 1 driver. Behind the scenes, the Minnesota Timberwolves star told Antonelli about his favorite arenas and how much he enjoys getting under the skin of opponents and fans.
Madison Square Garden, TD Garden, New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Atlanta when we play at home. But Madison Square Garden is also tough to play in. It’s an amazing place, but it’s hard to play there. If you’re not ready, it can be really tough
Anthony Edwards
Edwards explained to Antonelli why playing in New York and Boston requires a particular level of mental preparation:
You’ve got to be ready. Boston is like New York. The fans talk a lot and they have no problem saying anything to you
Anthony Edwards
The Timberwolves guard then admitted that he is one of the few NBA players who doesn’t back down when it comes to trash talking.
A lot of players don’t talk, but I do. If I’m scoring a lot of points, I talk a lot! ‘They can’t guard me, find somebody who can! He’s not the guy.’ I really talk a lot. And I talk for my teammates, too. If one of my teammates is playing well, I’ll back him up with the trash talk. I tell him, ‘Don’t say anything, I’ve got this!’
Anthony Edwards
Getting under his opponents’ skin without losing the competitive spirit has become an integral part of his persona. And, as his conversation with Antonelli showed, Edwards doesn’t appear to have any intention of slowing down.