Luka Doncic’s late-game heroics powered the Dallas Mavericks to a thrilling 108-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals on Wednesday night. Doncic scored 15 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter, steering the Mavericks to a crucial win in the best-of-seven series.
Kyrie Irving also shone for Dallas, scoring 24 of his 30 points in the first half, setting the pace for the Mavericks. Despite trailing 102-98 after Anthony Edwards hit a clutch 3-pointer with 3:37 remaining, the Mavericks responded with an 8-0 run, taking control of the game in the closing minutes. The Timberwolves managed to break their drought with a tip-in by Jaden McDaniels with 10.5 seconds left, but it was too little, too late.
McDaniels continued his impressive form and posted his third consecutive 20-plus-point game, finishing with 24 points for Minnesota. Edwards, who was named to the All-NBA Second Team earlier in the day, was held to 19 points by a concerted defensive effort from Dallas. He also contributed 11 rebounds and eight assists. Karl-Anthony Towns, who struggled for much of the game, ended with 16 points, needing a late burst to improve his shooting to 6-for-20 from the floor.
The Mavericks capitalized on their superior inside game, outscoring the Timberwolves 62-38 in the paint. This interior dominance proved crucial as the game remained tight throughout.
The Timberwolves showed signs of life late in the fourth quarter when Towns hit a long jumper, followed by an alley-oop to Rudy Gobert for a slam, and a 3-pointer during a quick 2-minute surge. This run gave Minnesota a brief lead at 4:39 left in the game, part of a 10-0 run halted by a Doncic 3-pointer. P.J. Washington, who contributed 13 points and seven rebounds, then hit a critical 3-pointer to put Dallas back in front with 1:56 remaining.
In a dramatic sequence, Towns appeared to tie the game with a putback dunk on the next possession, but it was disallowed for basket interference, a call that proved pivotal in the final outcome.
Despite going scoreless in the third quarter, Edwards’ all-around performance with 11 rebounds and eight assists showcased his versatility and importance to the Timberwolves’ efforts.
As the series progresses, the Mavericks will look to maintain their momentum in Game 2 on Friday night. For the Timberwolves, adjustments will be key as they seek to level the series and find a way to better incorporate their star players into a more fluid offensive strategy.
Head coach Jason Kidd praised his team’s resilience and execution in the final moments. “Luka and Kyrie stepped up when it mattered most, and the entire team showed great composure down the stretch. We know it’s just one game, but starting the series with a win sets a positive tone.”
Conversely, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch emphasized the need for improved execution and consistency. “We had our chances, especially late in the game, but we have to clean up some mistakes and capitalize on our opportunities. It’s a long series, and we’ll be ready to bounce back in Game 2.”
With the star power on both sides, this Western Conference finals promises to deliver more high-stakes drama. The Mavericks, buoyed by their Game 1 success, will aim to keep their momentum, while the Timberwolves will seek to regroup and counter in what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested series.
