The Dallas Mavericks, powered by 36 points each from Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-103 on Thursday to clinch the Western Conference crown. This victory secures their spot in the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics.
After being denied a sweep at home on Tuesday, the Mavericks left no doubt in Minneapolis, winning the best-of-seven conference finals 4-1. This marks their first return to the NBA Finals since their 2011 title win.
The Celtics will host Game 1 of the championship series on June 6.
Doncic and Irving dominated the Timberwolves’ top-rated defense, with Doncic setting the tone early. “My mindset was: set the tone,” Doncic said, after scoring 20 points in a fast-paced first quarter, outscoring the Timberwolves’ entire team by one point.
Doncic made four of his six three-pointers in the first period, including a long-range shot from the center court logo. The Mavericks closed the quarter on a 17-1 scoring run, putting the Timberwolves on their heels.
Irving contributed 15 points in the second quarter, combining with Doncic for 44 first-half points. The Mavericks led 69-40 at halftime, effectively sealing the game.
Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns scored 28 points each for the Timberwolves, with Towns adding 12 rebounds. Despite their efforts, the Timberwolves, who had previously swept the Phoenix Suns and stunned the defending champion Denver Nuggets, couldn’t overcome the Mavericks’ relentless offense.
The Timberwolves had been 3-0 in elimination games this postseason, with crucial wins in games six and seven against the Nuggets and their victory on Tuesday. However, the Mavericks’ performance proved too strong in this decisive game.
With their Western Conference victory, the Mavericks now look ahead to the NBA Finals, aiming to secure their second title in franchise history. The showdown against the Celtics promises to be an exciting series, with both teams eager to claim the championship.
