It was a wild scene in Minnesota on Friday as the Timberwolves and Mavericks battled in Game 2 of the West Finals. After strong play from Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks to victory in the opening contest, the Timberwolves were nearly able to pull away in Game 2 before a clutch shot from Luka Doncic sealed the win for the Mavericks (109-108).
LUKA 3-POINTER IN THE CLUTCH TO TAKE THE LEAD WITH 3 SECONDS LEFT IN THE 4Q 🤯🎯
DAL-MIN (1-0) | 4Q Live on TNT pic.twitter.com/6hNV77J8aV
— NBA (@NBA) May 25, 2024
With the Mavericks now up 2-0 and heading back to their home court, Luka’s shot may be remembered as the one that determines the series. It capped an all-around brilliant performance, complete with 32 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds on 43.5% shooting.
Luka after hitting the game winner on the Wolves pic.twitter.com/NamwZfzrER
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) May 25, 2024
The series is still far from over, and we saw in the last round that a team can respond after losing their first two games at home. Even so, it’s hard to deny that the Mavericks are on another level right now and it’s looking like things might have clicked for them at the perfect time.
The Mavericks look like they're gonna win the NBA Finals. Elite defense and elite role players, led by two elite closers in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. And by the way, Jason Kidd is coaching his ass off these playoffs.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnor) May 25, 2024
This game was arguably the high point of Luka’s career, but the opposite is true for Anthony Edwards. His struggles of late did not go unnoticed after this performance, where he finished with 21 points on just 29% shooting. If Edwards is going to play like this for the series, the Timberwolves have no chance to win the title this year.
I'm not sure somebody has ruined their reputation faster in 2 games than Anthony Edwards. Holy shit he's been awful.
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) May 25, 2024
In truth, morale for the Timberwolves and their fans is at an all-time low. As great as this run has been, the past two games have been pretty ugly and it’s not how anyone imagined it would end.
not even the biggest Rudy Gobert believer would let him switch onto Luka one on one with the game on the line. that’s something you only wish on your worst enemies. why did the Wolves let that happen to that man
— sreeky (@sreekyshooter) May 25, 2024
This point in the season is supposed to be the most competitive, but both Conference Finals series have been a clean sweep so far and it remains to be seen if they will change within the next few games. In the case of the Mavericks, however, they seem to be on a tear right now that is proving impossible for anyone to stop.
Are The Dallas Mavericks The New Title Favorites?
The Mavericks finished 5th in the West this season and entered the playoffs as an underdog to win the championship. Against the Clippers in round one, they overwhelmed Kawhi Leonard and Paul George with the star-studded duo and the impact of new arrivals Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington.
Against the Thunder in round two, the Mavericks were able to out-maneuver their opponent down the stretch and they sent them packing in six games.
As it stands, the Mavericks are clicking on all cylinders, including the stars at the top and the role-players off the bench. Head coach Jason Kidd is having his best stretch to date and he’s got the entire group locked in on a different level. As far as the series goes, the advantage clearly belongs to the Mavericks and many will pick them to beat the Celtics, who are almost sure to come out of the East.
If Luka Doncic does go on to win his first championship, the implications will be extreme and it will put him on par with some of the greatest players ever. With just one day in between the pivotal games, the Mavericks won’t have long to enjoy this victory before moving to Dallas to defend their home floor. But if they keep cooking like this, there may be no team that can stop them, not even the Boston Celtics.
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