The Western Conference Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves is a star-studded affair. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving against Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. For the third time in as many games, it was the Mavericks duo that came up big at the end.
For the majority of the first half, it was Dallas who controlled the game. They led by as many as 12 points, controlling the tempo. But, an injury to center Dereck Lively II led to a needed rotation change for the Mavericks, which the Timberwolves took advantage of.
With one of their above-the-rim threats out of the game, the Mavericks became a little easier to defend. The Timberwolves started building some momentum, as Edwards got going offensively to get his team back in the game.
Minnesota took the lead and held it going deeper into the fourth quarter. However, it was once again Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving who saved the day. In the final quarter, they combined for 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting from the field, outscoring the entire Timberwolves team by one.
Over the final three minutes of the game, the Mavericks outscored their opponents 24-11. It was their star duo leading the way, whether it be scoring or handing out assists to their teammates.
“Down the stretch, that’s where we make our money, man,” Irving said. “I think we have that poise now, and we’re showcasing just our skill sets out there that a lot of teams have to guard, the depth that we have. A lot of teams have to guard each one of us, and you got to pick your poison.”
Both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving scored 33 points in the game. Irving scored 14 of his in the fourth quarter to help the Mavericks get a 116-107 victory and a commanding 3-0 lead in the series.
After some struggles meshing in 2023 after acquiring Irving from the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster trade, the Mavericks have flipped the script this season. They are now 6-2 in clutch games in the postseason and being led by their dynamic duo.
In the past 50 years, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are the first backcourt to score 30+ points in the same game at least three times in a single postseason. They are hoping to have plenty of more chances to accomplish that feat being only one game away from a trip to the NBA Finals.
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