By Songu Michael
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving collectively scored 66 points, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 116-107 triumph over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Western Conference final on Sunday, establishing a commanding 3-0 series lead.
This latest captivating matchup unfolded in Dallas following the Mavericks’ narrow victories in the first two games in Minneapolis, with a combined winning margin of just four points. The intensity reached its peak in the final quarter, marked by seven lead changes, as the star duo of Doncic and Irving guided the Mavericks to a decisive 12-3 scoring spree.
The Mavericks are poised to secure the series in the upcoming fourth game scheduled for Tuesday.
While no team has ever overturned a 3-0 deficit to win an NBA playoff series, Doncic emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, stating, “We require one more victory. The Timberwolves possess a formidable team, and nothing is guaranteed.”
Doncic and Irving both contributed 33 points, with Doncic also tallying seven rebounds and five assists, while Irving showcased his prowess with 14 points in the critical fourth quarter. P.J. Washington’s 16 points, including a pivotal three-pointer, sealed the Mavericks’ victory at 107-104 with 3:38 remaining.
Daniel Gafford’s impressive defensive display, highlighted by three blocks, notably a crucial rejection on Mike Conley, bolstered the Mavericks’ performance. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 26 points, but his impact waned in the final quarter, while Karl-Anthony Towns struggled to convert any of his attempts.
The victors of this series will face either the Boston Celtics or Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals. The Celtics, who dominated the regular season with 64 wins, currently hold a 3-0 lead in their Eastern Conference final against the Pacers.
Doncic acknowledged the Timberwolves’ defensive strategy aimed at stifling him and Irving, crediting it with invigorating the Mavericks’ offensive play. He remarked, “Their persistent double-teaming of me and Ky has enhanced our performance. Everyone is involved, everyone contributes, and it culminated in a remarkable victory.”
In contrast, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch identified offensive deficiencies as the primary issue for his team, asserting, “Our struggles have primarily been with closing out games. It’s crucial to match their scoring output. We need to improve our execution in these crucial final minutes.”
The physicality of the game was evident with Mavericks’ player Dereck Lively exiting early in the second quarter due to a collision with Towns. Despite trailing by 12 points in the second quarter, the Timberwolves managed to reduce the gap to eight by halftime and eventually level the score in the third quarter.
Edwards’ spectacular dunk and subsequent baskets helped the Timberwolves tie the game before Reid’s basket gave them a brief lead of 79-77 in the third quarter, marking their first lead since the opening minutes. The teams were deadlocked at 87-87 heading into the fourth quarter, but Dallas ultimately emerged victorious after a series of lead changes.
