The Dallas Mavericks are on the cusp of returning to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011 after a commanding 116-107 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals on Sunday.
With this win, the Mavericks now hold a commanding 3-0 series lead, putting them just one game away from advancing to the championship series.
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving were the driving forces behind the Mavericks’ success in Game 3, each scoring 33 points to lead the team.
Doncic also contributed seven rebounds and five assists, while Irving scored 14 of his points in the crucial fourth quarter.
This dynamic duo has proven to be a nightmare for the Timberwolves, who have been unable to stop them throughout the series.
The Mavericks’ victory was not without challenges, however. Rookie center Dereck Lively II, who had been a perfect 13-for-13 from the field in the series, suffered an injury after taking an inadvertent knee to the head from Karl-Anthony Towns.
Despite this setback, the Mavericks rallied and outscored the Timberwolves 12-1 in the final minutes of the game to secure the win.
Anthony Edwards and Anthony Karl-Anthony Towns had a tough night for the Timberwolves, shooting a combined 28.6% from the field in the first half.
Their struggles, combined with the Mavericks’ dominant performance, have left the Timberwolves facing a daunting 3-0 series deficit.
The Mavericks’ success in this series has been built on the back of their star players, with Doncic and Irving becoming the first backcourt in the past 50 years to each score at least 30 points in the same game three times in the playoffs.
Their performances have been a testament to the team’s resilience and determination, as well as the strategic brilliance of head coach Jason Kidd.
As the Mavericks prepare for Game 4, they will be looking to close out the series and secure their spot in the NBA Finals.
The Timberwolves, on the other hand, will be fighting to avoid a series sweep and keep their season alive. With the stakes higher than ever, Game 4 promises to be a thrilling contest between two teams desperate for a win
