Minnesota Gov. Subtly Uses ‘Bring Ya Ass’ in Proclamation Ahead of Mavs-Wolves Series

Adam WellsMay 22, 2024

C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images

Anthony Edwards’ instantly iconic “bring ya ass” moment in the wake of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals has turned into a rallying cry for the franchise.

In fact, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was able to include it as part of his declaration that Wednesday is Wolves Back Day in the state.

Ball Don’t Lie @BalldontlieThe governor of Minnesota spelled out “bring ya ass” in the recent State Proclamation 🤣

(via @GovTimWalz) pic.twitter.com/L9jdfQjZg0

Edwards made the remark during his postgame interview with TNT when Charles Barkley informed him he hadn’t been to Minnesota in 20 years.

NBA on TNT @NBAonTNTChuck: “I have not been to Minnesota in probably 20 years.”

Ant: “Bring ya ass!” 😂 pic.twitter.com/GRJ7iLvinC

The Timberwolves stunned everyone Sunday when they erased a 20-point second-half deficit on the road against the Nuggets. They outscored the defending champs 60-37 over the final two quarters to earn a 98-90 victory.

Even though Edwards didn’t have a stellar offensive game with 16 points on 6-of-24 shooting, his defense was crucial in helping the T-Wolves make their run after halftime. He held Jamal Murray to 2-of-6 shooting as the primary defender in the second half after the Nuggets guard scored 24 points in the first half.

Minnesota’s victory was arguably the biggest in franchise history. This is only the second time the club has made it to the Western Conference Finals in its 35 seasons of existence.

The only other strong candidate to compete with Sunday’s win was an 83-80 victory over the Sacramento Kings in Game 7 of the 2004 Western Conference semifinals. Kevin Garnett had 32 points, 21 rebounds, five blocks and four steals in the game.

Minnesota followed that victory over the Kings by losing the Los Angeles Lakers in six games in the Western Conference Finals.

Optimism is extremely high for the Timberwolves going into this Western Conference Finals series against the Dallas Mavericks. They overcame a 3-2 deficit to the Nuggets with a 45-point win in Game 6 and going on the road in Game 7 to advance.

Minnesota won three of four games against the Mavs during the regular season, but all of those games were played between Dec. 14 and Jan. 31. The Mavericks hadn’t yet made their acquisitions of P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford at that point.

The Timberwolves will host Dallas at Target Center in Game 1 on Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. ET.