The Dallas Mavericks clinched the Western Conference crown with a 124-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night, led by stellar displays from Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
The win, achieved in Minneapolis, sealed a 4-1 series triumph and booked the Mavericks a spot in the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics.
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving were unstoppable, each scoring 36 points and dismantling the Timberwolves’ top-rated defense. Doncic set the tone early, scoring 20 points in the first quarter alone. He outscored the Timberwolves’ entire team by one point. His explosive start included four three-pointers, one from the center court logo, and helped the Mavericks close the first quarter on a 17-1 run, putting Minnesota on the back foot.
“My mindset was: set the tone,” Doncic said after the game. His aggressive approach and early scoring surge laid the foundation for Dallas’s decisive victory.
Kyrie Irving complemented Doncic’s efforts with 15 points in the second quarter, contributing to a combined 44 points by halftime — outscoring the Timberwolves by four points at that stage. The Mavericks led 69-40 at the break, effectively sealing the game early.
Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns fought valiantly for Minnesota, each scoring 28 points, with Towns adding 12 rebounds. Despite their efforts, the Timberwolves could not overcome the early onslaught and the Mavericks’ tight defense.
Dereck Lively returned for the Mavericks after missing game four due to a neck sprain. His determination was tested again when he took a blow to the head from Naz Reid, who received a flagrant foul. Lively stayed in the game and contributed nine points, showing his toughness and importance to the team.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch acknowledged Doncic’s impact, stating, “Luka came out tonight and put his stamp on the game. Hit a couple of bomb threes, kind of got them loosened up offensively.”
The Mavericks’ victory marks their return to the NBA Finals for the first time since their 2011 championship win. This will be Dallas’ third trip to the finals, and they are eager to capture their second title.
The Boston Celtics, who swept the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals, will host the Mavericks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on June 6. The Celtics, tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most NBA titles at 17, are appearing in the finals for the second time in three years.
The upcoming series promises to be a thrilling matchup, with the Mavericks’ dynamic duo of Doncic and Irving set to face a formidable Celtics team known for its rich history and strong roster. Fans can expect an exciting and hard-fought series as these two storied franchises compete for the ultimate prize in basketball.
