Doncic winner edges Mavericks past Timberwolves
Luka Doncic hit a clutch three-pointer with 3.8 seconds remaining to secure a 109-108 win for the Dallas Mavericks over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, giving Dallas a 2-0 lead in the NBA Western Conference finals.
Doncic recorded a triple-double with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists, leading the Mavericks’ comeback from an 18-point deficit in the second quarter.
Kyrie Irving, who struggled early and faced foul trouble, scored 13 of his 20 points in the intense fourth quarter, which saw 11 lead changes. Minnesota held a 108-103 lead with 1:29 left, but Doncic found Irving for a corner three-pointer. Following a Mavericks timeout, Doncic sank a decisive three-pointer over Rudy Gobert, Minnesota’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Naz Reid, who hit seven of nine three-point attempts, had a chance to win it for the Timberwolves, but his shot bounced out at the buzzer. Irving praised Doncic’s leadership, saying, “Luka fricking carrying us, man — that’s what we’re talking about right there in terms of leadership.”
Dallas coach Jason Kidd explained that the final play was designed to give Doncic the ball and let him decide the best course of action. “The play was to get Luka the ball and let Luka do what Luka does in those moments,” Kidd said.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 21 points, five rebounds, and seven assists but struggled with his shooting, making only five of 17 attempts. Mike Conley added 18 points, Gobert contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Karl-Anthony Towns scored 15 points for Minnesota.
The Timberwolves initially led 32-26 after the first quarter and extended their lead to 18 points. However, the Mavericks closed the first half with an 8-2 run, reducing the deficit to 60-48. Doncic scored 11 points in the third quarter, bringing the Mavs within two points multiple times. Irving’s floater brought Dallas within 79-77, but Minnesota ended the quarter up 86-79.
Irving put Dallas ahead for the first time since the first quarter with a three-pointer early in the fourth quarter. The game then turned into a back-and-forth battle. Reid briefly restored Minnesota’s lead with a three-pointer, but Dallas eventually prevailed.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch acknowledged the need for better decision-making from Edwards and noted two crucial turnovers in the final minute as key factors in the loss. Finch dismissed concerns about resting Edwards more, saying, “It’s the Western Conference finals, man. You can’t look to hide people or try to take breaks.”
Dallas aims to extend their lead when they host Game Three on Sunday. The series winner will face either the Boston Celtics or Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals.
(Source: AFP)
