Mavericks Dominate Early
In Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference Finals, the Dallas Mavericks returned home with a 2-0 series lead to face the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Mavericks started strong, with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving each scoring 33 points, setting the pace from the beginning. Despite a second-half rally led by Timberwolves’ star Anthony Edwards, the Mavericks held their ground, sealing a 116-107 victory with a decisive 12-3 run in the final five minutes. Dallas now holds a commanding 3-0 series lead, just one win away from the NBA Finals.
Strong First Half Performance
The Mavericks showcased their offensive firepower in the first half, with Doncic and Irving scoring 15 and 14 points, respectively. By halftime, the Mavericks had already put up 60 points. The Timberwolves, however, fought back in the second half, with Edwards leading the charge to tie the game at 87 by the end of the third quarter.
Tense Final Quarter
The fourth quarter was a nail-biter, with Kyle Anderson’s shot giving the Timberwolves a lead with just over five minutes remaining. However, the Mavericks took control in the final minutes. Irving’s layup tied the game, followed by a three-pointer from P.J. Washington. Doncic added a difficult fadeaway, and Irving hit another jump shot over Karl-Anthony Towns. Doncic then assisted on an alley-oop, culminating in a 12-3 run that secured the victory for Dallas.
Doncic and Irving Shine
Doncic and Irving each played over 40 minutes, with Doncic contributing 33 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, and Irving adding 33 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. For the Timberwolves, Edwards led with 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists. Towns struggled, scoring only 14 points and missing all eight of his three-point attempts.
Looking Ahead to Game 4
Facing elimination, the Timberwolves must regroup for Game 4, which will also take place in Dallas. The Mavericks, with a 3-0 series lead, have a strong chance to advance to the NBA Finals with one more victory. (Panaloko)