The Dallas Mavericks now hold a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals, following a thrilling 109-108 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Luka Dončić was instrumental, scoring 32 points on 10-of-23 shooting, along with 13 assists and 10 rebounds. He hit the game-winning step-back 3-pointer over Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert, silencing a Target Center crowd that once saw their team up by 18 points. After his shot, Dončić had a few words for Gobert in Slovenian.
The Timberwolves had a chance to steal the game, but Naz Reid’s last-second attempt missed. Reid led Minnesota with 23 points, shooting 8-of-13, including 7-of-9 from 3-point range.
The game saw 11 lead changes in the fourth quarter alone, with Dončić and Kyrie Irving trading big shots with Reid and Anthony Edwards. Despite missing three of four free throws in the fourth, Irving redeemed himself with key plays and four 3-pointers.
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Minnesota, who thought they had the game tied up, will rue a critical officiating decision. With 47 seconds left and the Timberwolves up 108-106, a challenge overturned a call favoring Dallas but missed an uncalled foul on Irving. This decision gave the Mavericks possession, leading to Dončić’s game-winner.
Anthony Edwards’ slump continued, shooting just 5-of-17. Over the last five playoff games, he has averaged 33.7% from the field. Despite his struggles, Minnesota has won two of those games, thanks to his contributions in other areas, including averaging seven assists per game.
The Timberwolves need to address Edwards’ form and find a way to contain Dončić before Game 3, scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Sunday in Dallas (TNT).
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