Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving each scored 33 points, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 116-107 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night. This win gave the Mavericks a commanding 3-0 lead in the Western Conference finals.
The Mavericks executed a decisive 14-3 run to close the game, marking their fifth consecutive playoff win. Despite the victory, the Mavericks faced a setback as rookie center Dereck Lively II left the game in the second quarter with a sprained neck after an accidental collision with Karl-Anthony Towns.
Doncic Urges Caution Despite Series Lead
No team in NBA playoff history has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit, but Luka Doncic emphasized that the series is far from over. “We need one more [win], nothing’s done,” Doncic stated post-game. “They have an amazing team, so nothing’s done yet.”
This cautious approach highlights the respect the Mavericks have for their opponents and the understanding that the series requires continued effort and focus.
Timberwolves’ Struggles in Closing Moments
Minnesota coach Chris Finch admitted that his team has struggled in the final minutes against Dallas. “The whole series we’ve struggled to close games … these three minute games we’re playing, we’re losing,” Finch said.
This recurring issue has been a significant factor in Minnesota’s inability to secure wins in the series, reflecting a need for improvement in clutch situations.
Mavericks’ Decisive Late-Game Execution
PJ Washington sparked the Mavericks’ game-winning run with a corner three-pointer, followed by crucial plays from Doncic and Irving. Doncic’s shot in the lane extended the lead, and Irving’s falling-down jumper energized the crowd.
A key alley-oop from Doncic to Daniel Gafford, who also made a critical defensive stop, sealed the game. Doncic commented, “They tried to double [team] me the whole game, they tried to double Ky, that just makes us better. Everybody touches the ball, everybody plays … We come down the stretch and execute.”
Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns’ Efforts Fall Short
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 26 points, though he struggled to score late in the game. He and Doncic exchanged words towards the end, but Doncic declined to reveal the details. Timberwolves coach Finch defended Edwards, noting, “Of course he’s learning … he’s 22 years old, in the Western Conference finals, got a lot on his shoulders, we expect a lot from him … this is a learning experience for him.” Karl-Anthony Towns added 14 points but missed all eight of his three-point attempts, including a crucial one in the final minutes.
Towns acknowledged his shooting woes, stating, “It’s tough, for sure. Confidence wise, I’ve just got to keep shooting.”
Lively’s Injury and Game 4 Outlook
Earlier in the game, Dereck Lively II suffered a neck sprain after colliding with Towns’ knee. He was helped off the court and taken to the locker room. Despite this setback, the Mavericks held strong. With a 3-0 series lead, Dallas is now just one win away from their first NBA finals appearance since 2011.
Game 4 is set for Tuesday night in Dallas, where the Mavericks will look to complete the sweep and advance.
