Controversial technical called on Anthony Edwards for STARING as fans and commentators slam referees and 'unwatchable' NBA

TNT's commentary team and fans watching Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals series between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves were fuming after Anthony Edwards got a technical foul for staring at an opponent.

The Timberwolves' poster boy was whistled for a technical foul in the third quarter when he merely stared down Denver's Reggie Jackson after making a layup.

The call resulted in an outcry that began with former NBA player Reggie Miller in the commentary booth.

'That's just a look,' Miller exclaimed. 'Come on, that's a bad technical.'

'Man, we're in the second round of the playoffs,' Miller added. 'Emotions are always gonna be high.'

Fans were left fuming after Anthony Edwards was called for a technical for 'staring' at a player 

In the third quarter of Game 1 against the Nuggets, Edwards stared down Reggie Jackson 

Edwards led the Timberwolves to victory with 43 points, seven rebounds and two blocks 

Meanwhile, Jamal Crawford and Kevin Harlan echoed Miller's sentiments, pointing out how 'awful' the call was.

Fans also reacted on social media, with users saying: 'That's actually sad af,' and calling the NBA 'incredibly soft.'

'Fire ref instantly,' another suggested. 'Anthony Edwards went on a 7-0 run by himself to have momentum killed w that. Can't have it.'

'Soft. Let the men play, express some emotions,' a fourth added. 'They're not punching each other.'

A fifth fan added that the 'NBA is literally unwatchable... JFC.'

Nevertheless, Edwards had a career night with 43 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks to take a 1-0 lead over the defending champions. The win has also placed the Timberwolves at 5-0 in these playoffs after sweeping the Phoenix Suns in the first round.

TNT's Reggie Miller made his feelings felt about how bad the technical call was 

Jamal Crawford also echoed Miller's sentiments during TNT's broadcast of the game 

His incredible shift put Edwards alongside Kobe Bryant as the only players with consecutive 40-point postseason performances at 22 or younger.

'Going against the best player in the world is always fun,' Edwards said of facing Nikola Jokic postgame. 'Going against the best team in the world is always fun.'

'Like I said, man, they're well-coached, they're disciplined, they're not gonna beat themselves,' he said of the Nuggets. 'And I think our coaching staff did a good job of game-planning throughout the three [or] four nights that we had and our guys came out and competed tonight.

'It's not just about me, it's about our team.'

Veteran guard Mike Conley Jr. had 14 points and ten assists in Minnesota's victory 

Nuggets star Nikola Jokic had 32 points, eight rebounds and nine assists in their losing effort 

While Edwards had himself a night to remember, The Joker nearly clocked in a triple-double with 32 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists. Meanwhile, Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray scored 20 and 17 points, respectively.

As for the T-Wolves, Karl Anthony Towns came up big with 20 points while veteran guard Mike Conley Jr. had 14 points and ten dishes. Naz Reid also came out of the bench to score 16 points to help Minnesota to victory.

The series will resume on Monday night with Edwards and Minnesota holding a 1-0 lead ahead of Game 2.