The Dallas Mavericks are just one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2011, following a 116-107 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. The combined prowess of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic proved too much for the Timberwolves, pushing the Dallas Mavericks to a commanding 3-0 series lead.
Dallas Mavericks: Irving and Doncic Dominate Game 3
Kyrie Irving delivered a stellar performance, scoring 33 points on 12-of-20 shooting, complemented by three rebounds and four assists. His critical step-back jumper in the final minute sealed the game for Dallas. Luka Doncic mirrored Irving’s effort with 33 points of his own, including five 3-pointers, and added seven rebounds, five assists, and five steals to his impressive stat line.
The victory has set the stage for Game 4 in Dallas, where the Dallas Mavericks, riding a five-game winning streak, will aim to secure their spot in the NBA Finals.
Timberwolves Fall Short Despite Efforts
Despite Anthony Edwards‘ electrifying dunk and a 26-point contribution, the Timberwolves couldn’t keep pace with the Dallas Mavericks. Karl-Anthony Towns struggled, shooting just 5-of-18 from the floor and missing all eight of his 3-point attempts. Minnesota’s overall shooting woes were evident as they finished 9-of-30 from beyond the arc, while Dallas was 14-for-28.
42 is BACK ☎️ pic.twitter.com/aczaonjY9v
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) May 29, 2024
Key Takeaways from Game 3
The Power of an All-Time Backcourt
The series’ narrative boils down to the extraordinary shot-creating abilities of Dallas’ dynamic duo, Irving and Doncic. The Timberwolves’ top-ranked defense, which recently dismantled the defending champion Nuggets, has found no answers to their relentless offensive barrage. Irving and Doncic’s combined excellence has tipped the balance in favor of the Dallas Mavericks, making them a formidable force in this postseason.
In Game 1, Irving’s 24-point first half kept Dallas within striking distance, allowing Doncic to take over in the fourth quarter. The Timberwolves’ defensive adjustments in subsequent games—whether blitzing Doncic or switching defenders—have failed to contain the Dallas Mavericks‘ stars.
In Game 3, Irving and Doncic made history as the first backcourt in playoff history to have both players score at least 30 points in three separate games.
Minnesota’s Star Players Struggle
Karl-Anthony Towns, despite facing a seemingly favorable matchup against the lighter and shorter P.J. Washington, has been inefficient throughout the series. His 15-of-54 shooting from the field and 3-of-22 from beyond the arc underscore his struggles. Towns’ inability to contribute defensively or offensively has been a significant setback for the Timberwolves.
Anthony Edwards, though more effective than Towns, has also underperformed, shooting 22-of-57 in the series. His promise of “super aggressive” play in Game 3 fell short as he often opted for screens rather than attacking mismatches. Edwards’ conservative approach and Towns’ poor form have left the Timberwolves unable to capitalize on their role players’ contributions.
The Impact of Dereck Lively’s Injury
While the Dallas Mavericks are likely to win the series, Dereck Lively II‘s injury could have far-reaching consequences. Lively’s ability to exploit Minnesota’s blitzing scheme against Doncic was crucial in Game 2, creating easy scoring opportunities for Dallas. His absence in Game 3 allowed Minnesota to outscore Dallas by 10 points in the paint, highlighting his defensive importance.
Neck injuries are notoriously tricky, and Dallas will need Lively healthy for a potential Finals matchup against the Celtics. His recovery is the top priority for the Dallas Mavericks as they prepare for the next phase of their championship quest.
Looking Ahead
The Dallas Mavericks, led by the exceptional performances of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, are on the verge of making history. As they look ahead to Game 4, the Timberwolves must find a way to counter Dallas’ star power to extend the series. With a potential NBA Finals berth on the line, the stage is set for another thrilling encounter in Dallas.
