Luka Doncic led the charge as the Dallas Mavericks secured the Western Conference title with a commanding 124-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 at the Target Center. This triumph catapults the Mavericks into the NBA Finals, marking their first appearance since their championship-winning season in 2011. Doncic’s stellar performance stole the spotlight, laying the foundation for this monumental feat.
Luka Doncic Dominates from the Start
From the opening possession, Luka Doncic took control of the game, scoring an astounding 10 points within the first 153 seconds.
By the end of the first quarter, he had outscored the Timberwolves by himself, tallying 20 points to their 19. Doncic’s exceptional play was highlighted by a stunning off-dribble 3-pointer from the half-court logo, a shot that epitomized his “Luka magic mode,” as described by Mavericks coach Jason Kidd. “He set the tone, and then he made it easier for everyone else. Everybody else stepped up,” Kidd remarked.
Doncic’s fiery start was fueled by the energy from the crowd, particularly one courtside fan who seemed to draw his ire. “You know that gets me going,” Doncic said, acknowledging the motivation he derived from the taunts. His performance did not just stop at scoring; he also contributed 10 rebounds and 5 assists, demonstrating his all-around brilliance.
Kyrie Irving’s Stellar Support
Kyrie Irving, Doncic’s co-star, matched his intensity, scoring 36 points in the clinching game. Irving’s 15 points in the second quarter were pivotal in extending the Mavericks’ lead and torching the Timberwolves’ top-ranked defense. Reflecting on Doncic’s performance, Irving said, “You’re just watching a special performance take place. … When Luka starts a game like that, we’re a tough team to beat.”
The duo’s synergy was evident throughout the playoffs, with Doncic and Irving each finishing with 30 points in multiple games. Their combined efforts have drawn comparisons to legendary duos like Elgin Baylor and Jerry West, further solidifying their place in NBA history.
A Historic Halftime Lead
By halftime, the Mavericks had amassed a 29-point lead, the largest halftime lead ever recorded by a team with a chance to clinch a Finals trip. This lead was one point shy of the largest halftime lead in Mavericks playoff history, reminiscent of their Game 7 rout against the Phoenix Suns in the 2022 Western Conference semifinals. The dominance continued in the second half, much to the dismay of the Timberwolves’ home crowd, who resorted to booing their team.
Road Warriors
The Mavericks have proven to be formidable on the road, winning their last five away games, starting with a crucial Game 2 win over the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round. Their 7-2 road record during this playoff run ties the franchise record for road wins in a single postseason, set by the 2011 title team.
LUKA DONCIC IS OUT OF THIS WORLD 🤯🔥 pic.twitter.com/Yb72nBw8T2
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) June 1, 2024
Luka Doncic, who has waited six seasons to make his first NBA Finals appearance, expressed his determination to continue the journey. “It was a very hard road, very hard,” Doncic said. “But we’re not done. We have four more.”
Looking Ahead to the Finals
As the Mavericks prepare to face the Boston Celtics, who swept the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, the excitement and anticipation build. This Finals trip marks the third in Dallas’ history, and with Luka Doncic leading the charge, the Mavericks are poised for another historic run.
With his eyes set on becoming the first player since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000 to win both a scoring title and an NBA championship in the same season, Doncic’s journey is far from over.
Source: ESPN
