In the tense seconds leading up to Luka Doncic’s game-winning shot in Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jaden McDaniels of the Wolves had a sinking realization that a critical defensive error had been made.
lmao he already knew what was about to happen pic.twitter.com/tBNXx9SpGG
— yes. ✭ (@iAmTerrace) May 25, 2024
With little over 11 seconds left on the clock and the Mavericks trailing 108-106, McDaniels faced the daunting task of guarding Doncic, one of the league’s most formidable offensive talents. As Dereck Lively II set a screen on McDaniels, Rudy Gobert switched onto Doncic, leaving McDaniels with a sinking feeling that the defensive assignment had taken a turn for the worse.
This angle of Luka hitting the game-winner on Gobert is so tough 🥶 pic.twitter.com/qATPWCbH9B
— MFFL NATION (@NationMffl) May 25, 2024
McDaniels, captured on camera, displayed a moment of realization that the defensive switch had been a mistake. With Gobert now defending him, Doncic seized the opportunity, displaying his trademark ball-handling skills as he dribbled with a cross and between-the-legs move to create separation.
In a matter of seconds, Doncic executed a step-back 3-pointer, propelling the Mavericks into the lead with a score of 109-108.
The game-winning shot by Doncic not only shifted the momentum in favor of the Mavericks but also highlighted the strategic error made by the Timberwolves in the crucial moments of the game. Despite McDaniels’ efforts, the defensive breakdown allowed Doncic to showcase his clutch playmaking abilities, ultimately securing the victory for Dallas.
Following Doncic’s heroics, the Mavericks held on for a narrow 109-108 win over the Timberwolves, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Doncic’s stellar performance, which included a triple-double with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists, propelled the Mavericks to a crucial road victory.
As the series shifts to Dallas for the next two games, the Timberwolves will need to regroup and address their defensive lapses to mount a comeback against a determined Mavericks team led by the dynamic play of Luka Doncic.
For McDaniels and the Timberwolves, the sting of the missed defensive assignment serves as a reminder of the fine margins that separate victory from defeat in the high-stakes playoffs.
It Made No Sense To Have Rudy Gobert In The Game So Late
The decision to have Rudy Gobert on the court during the crucial moments of Game 2 between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Dallas Mavericks has sparked considerable debate and criticism. Many have questioned the wisdom of having Gobert, known primarily for his rim protection and interior defense, defending Luka Doncic, one of the league’s most dynamic offensive talents, on the perimeter.
As the Mavericks initiated their offensive set in the closing moments of the game, it became evident that Gobert’s presence on the court was a mismatch waiting to be exploited.
Doncic, recognizing the opportunity presented by the defensive switch, immediately went to work. With Gobert tasked with guarding him on the perimeter, Doncic utilized his superior ball-handling and footwork to create separation and drive to the basket.
The lack of agility and lateral quickness displayed by Gobert in defending Doncic allowed the Mavericks’ star to easily maneuver past him, leaving Gobert stumbling and unable to effectively contest the shot. Doncic’s ability to create space and get off a clean look at the basket highlighted the glaring mismatch and underscored the questionable decision to have Gobert on the court in that defensive assignment.
While Doncic’s offensive prowess is undeniable, the ease with which he was able to exploit Gobert’s defensive limitations raised significant concerns about the Timberwolves’ defensive strategy in crunch time. A more agile defender, such as Karl-Anthony Towns, who possesses greater lateral mobility and perimeter defensive skills, may have been better suited to guard Doncic in that situation.
The consequences of this decision were starkly apparent as Doncic drained the game-winning shot, securing a crucial victory for the Mavericks and shifting the momentum in the series.
In hindsight, the decision to keep Gobert on the court instead of opting for a more agile defensive lineup proved costly for the Timberwolves, exposing a glaring weakness in their defensive scheme and contributing to their defeat in Game 2.
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