The Dallas Mavericks are on the cusp of making their first NBA Finals appearance since 2011, needing just one more victory. Led by the dynamic duo of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, the Mavericks secured a convincing 116-107 win over the Timberwolves in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals.
Irving had an outstanding performance, scoring 33 points on 12-of-20 shooting. He also contributed three rebounds and four assists. Notably, Irving sealed the game with a clutch step-back jump shot in the final minute. On the other hand, Doncic matched Irving’s scoring output with 33 points of his own, including five three-pointers. Additionally, Doncic showcased his versatility by recording seven rebounds, five assists, and five steals.
The Mavericks’ victory puts them on the brink of securing a spot in the NBA Finals, with just a few hours remaining. Game 4 is scheduled for Tuesday in Dallas, and the team is riding high on a five-game winning streak, giving them all the momentum they could ask for.
In the game against the Timberwolves, the Dallas team proved to be too strong in the final moments. Although Anthony Edwards delivered an impressive dunk that will be remembered for a long time, his 26 points couldn’t secure a victory. Karl-Anthony Towns struggled with his shooting, going 5-of-18 from the field and missing all eight of his 3-point attempts, including a crucial shot to shift the momentum in Minnesota’s favor. Overall, the Timberwolves struggled from beyond the arc, only making 9-of-30 compared to the Mavericks’ impressive 14-for-28 performance.
These are the key highlights from Game 3:
An all-time backcourt
In essence, the key factor that defines this series is the reliable shot creation from two players in Dallas, while Minnesota lacks this advantage. When it comes to other aspects, both teams possess evenly matched defenses and have witnessed outstanding performances from their supporting cast. Additionally, both coaching staffs have made valuable adjustments throughout the series. However, the presence of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving gives Dallas the edge, as their individual brilliance has been the decisive factor in swinging the series in their favor.
Minnesota had a chance to dominate in Game 1, with the Timberwolves leading by nine points in the first half. However, Irving’s impressive 24-point performance kept the game within reach for Doncic to make a comeback in the fourth quarter. Doncic showcased his skills by exploiting Minnesota’s drop-coverage strategy, particularly in the mid-range. Minnesota adjusted their approach in Game 2 by trying to blitz him, but Doncic effortlessly adapted by dissecting their defense with his passing ability. When the Timberwolves resorted to switching, Doncic sealed the game with a remarkable step-back game-winner over Rudy Gobert. Moving on to Game 3, Minnesota attempted to neutralize Irving with Mike Conley as the defender. However, Irving outplayed Conley, forcing him into foul trouble throughout the night. In the final minutes of a close game, Irving delivered crucial shots, contributing eight of the Mavericks’ last 12 points.
The Timberwolves showcased their dominance on defense this season, ranking as the top defensive team in the NBA. This was evident in their recent victory over the defending champions, the Nuggets. However, despite their impressive performance, they have struggled to contain the talents of Doncic and Irving. These two players have proven to be unstoppable, effortlessly maneuvering through any defensive scheme or adjustment thrown their way. Game 3 saw a historic moment as Irving and Doncic became the first backcourt duo in playoff history to score at least 30 points in three separate games. Their synergy is remarkable, with one player stepping up when the other is struggling. When both players are firing on all cylinders, opposing teams are left helpless. With their exceptional chemistry and performance, Irving and Doncic have solidified their place among the greatest NBA backcourts of all time. If they continue their success and secure the title with five more wins, they could very well cement themselves at the pinnacle of this illustrious list.
Minnesota’s stars are failing
Karl-Anthony Towns appeared to have the advantage on paper in this matchup. His primary defender, P.J. Washington, was 20 pounds lighter and five inches shorter. It seemed like an opportunity for Towns to score easy points near the rim. However, Towns has struggled in the first three games, shooting just 15-of-54 from the field. His 3-point shooting hasn’t been any better, with a 3-of-22 record. Additionally, Towns hasn’t been a defensive force either. In fact, his backup, Naz Reid, has outperformed him on most fronts.
Anthony Edwards has outperformed Towns, but that doesn’t imply he has been excellent. In this series, his shooting percentage from the floor has been disappointing, going 22-of-57. Despite a 10-point surge in the third quarter, he remained relatively quiet in Game 3. Prior to the game, he made a commitment to be “super aggressive” in the crucial match. Although he took 24 shots, it can be argued that he wasn’t nearly aggressive enough. If anything, he erred on the side of caution.
He often faced defenders like Washington or Doncic who he could easily overpower in one-on-one situations. Instead of taking advantage of this, he opted to rely on screens, which allowed Dallas to easily defend against him. While this strategy may create 4-on-3 opportunities for his teammates, it does not align with the level of aggression he promised or what Minnesota requires. Moreover, given the exceptional defensive performance of the Mavericks, these 4-on-3 situations do not hold enough value for him to ignore good individual scoring opportunities.
In his fourth year and first real playoff run, 22-year-old Edwards lacks the level of game-management mastery that Doncic and Irving possess. This deficiency is proving detrimental to the Timberwolves’ chances. Even if their star player, Towns, was performing at his best, they might have been able to overcome this setback. However, Towns is currently playing the worst basketball of his career. While the Timberwolves are winning in the role player battle, they are unable to capitalize on this advantage due to one star player not being prepared for this crucial moment and the uncertainty surrounding their other star player’s future.
Dereck Lively’s injury matters more than you think
The Mavericks are dominating the series, currently leading 3-0. It seems highly probable that they will emerge victorious and secure their spot in the Finals. If they do, they will have the luxury of up to nine days of rest to recuperate and nurse any injuries. However, in Game 3, the outcome was almost different, all thanks to Dereck Lively II’s contribution.
Minnesota’s attempt to use a blitzing scheme against Doncic in Game 2 proved to be ineffective due to the impressive performance of Lively in the 4-on-3 short-roll situations it created. However, Daniel Gafford does not possess the necessary skills as a passer or dribbler to consistently generate good shots when Doncic is double-teamed. On the other hand, Lively excels in this area. As the game progressed, the Mavericks became increasingly adept at countering Minnesota’s blitzes, resulting in Lively scoring dunks or creating open shot opportunities for his teammates.
The scorching hot streak that Edwards experienced in the third quarter wasn’t just a stroke of luck. It was a direct result of Lively leaving the game. With Lively off the court, the rim seemed to open up for Minnesota. In fact, the Timberwolves managed to outscore the Mavericks by 10 points in the paint during Game 3, all because Lively wasn’t there to defend it. Edwards skillfully found his way into the paint time and time again, making it easier for his teammates to capitalize on the collapsed defense, even if he wasn’t always the one scoring.
Dealing with neck injuries can be quite complex. Dallas would prefer to handle a strain rather than a concussion, as the latter can have long-lasting effects. While the Mavericks may not require Lively’s presence for the game against Minnesota, they will certainly need him if they advance to a series against the Celtics. Therefore, ensuring his health and well-being is of utmost importance for Dallas leading up to the Finals.
