Western Conference Finals: Mavericks Win Game 1 Led by Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving
In Game 1 of the Western Conference finals on Wednesday night, Luka Dončić scored 33 points, while Kyrie Irving scored 30, as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-105 to take a 1-0 lead.
In front of a passionate Target Center crowd, the Mavericks rode their typical offensive drives to a 108-105 victory, stealing home-court advantage in a game that witnessed 14 lead changes.
Irving hit 12-of-23 from the field with four assists, while Dončić scored 12-of-25 with eight assists, six rebounds, and three steals. Dončić had a slow game until the fourth quarter when he scored 15 points in an instant.
Despite scowling and working his way to 19 points on 6-of-16 shooting, Anthony Edwards also contributed eight assists, 11 rebounds, and 11 points. The effort capitalized on Edwards’ comparatively off day.
Beyond Jaden McDaniels (24 points), there were not many other Timberwolves who stood out as much as Karl-Anthony Towns, who shot 6-of-20 for 16 points. This was the true problem.
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Mavericks prevailed after a wild fourth-quarter
A 13-0 rise in the fourth quarter by Dallas gave them an eight-point advantage after the game went Minnesota’s way for the majority of the first three quarters. Towns’ long-range 3-pointer from a distance quickly put an end to that, as the Timberwolves went on a 12-1 run.
The Mavericks‘ revival of the lead sparked one of the most important decisions. After missing a 3-point attempt, Towns surged in and looked to have put up a putback slam that would have tied the score.
Still, the referees called offensive goaltending and waved off the basket. Though some fans were suspicious after seeing the replay, the verdict was promptly verified after review.
Dončić scored another basket to give the Mavericks a two-possession lead with one minute remaining, with their advantage still standing at 104-102. With the game still in overtime, Minnesota was unable to get the ball.
