Dynamic Duo: Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic
Mavericks pulled off a narrow 109-108 win against the Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals, securing a 2-0 lead in the series. Kyrie Irving contributed 20 points and 6 assists, while Luka Doncic led Dallas with his eighth career playoff triple-double, tallying 32 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds, sealing the victory with a game-winning step-back 3-pointer over defensive stalwart Rudy Gobert.
In Game 2, all eyes will be on Luka Doncic after his stellar performance propelled the Dallas Mavericks to a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals. Before the magic of Luka came into play, the Mavericks needed to overcome an 18-point deficit in the first half.
The Timberwolves were expected to come out strong in Game 2 after losing the series opener at home. And they did exactly that. They shot 47.1% from beyond the arc, with the sixth man of the year Naz Reid going perfect 4-for-4.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks struggled on the court, shooting 39.1% and scoring only 4-of-14 points from downtown. Nonetheless, the Mavericks were able to recover at halftime and, as they have done throughout the season and playoffs, rally for a valiant second-half comeback.
The Mavericks might have easily lost the game on many occasions. They were in a difficult position after falling behind by as much as five points with less than two minutes remaining. However, the Mavericks have no concept of ‘giving up’.
Kyrie Irving, a 90.5% free-throw shooter this season, missed two critical free shots with 1:44 remaining in the fourth quarter. Later, Anthony Edwards made two free throws to push Minnesota’s lead to five with 1:29 left. After a nail-biting sequence of events, Dallas might have simply wrapped it up.
But with two exceptional shot-makers Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic on their side, with a group of defensive dogs, the Mavericks have found a way to claw back on top and are now only two wins away from the NBA Finals.
