For the first time since 2011, the Dallas Mavericks will represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-103. Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns both had an impressive game for Minnesota, scoring 28 points apiece, but it would be far from enough to defeat a determined Mavericks team. Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving elevated themselves above everyone else, scoring 36 apiece, as the rout was on from the tip.
Dallas had one of the most impressive first halves you will witness in a NBA Conference Final, proving the Wolves five-point win on Tuesday was just a flash in the pan. Dončić, who is averaging 34.2 PPG following a playoff loss (best in NBA history), could only be described as inevitable. He was hitting threes from the mid-court logo, jawing at the Wolves bench, and even shared some NSFW words with hip-hop legend, Snoop Dogg, who was sitting courtside. Dončić finished the first quarter with 20 points (8-11 FG) to the Timberwolves team total of 19 (8-20 FG). Irving continued the Mavericks offensive bombardment with 15 second quarter points of his own, ballooning the Mavericks lead to 29 at the half.
Dallas let off the gas slightly in the third quarter allowing Minnesota to stat pad, but the lead would prove insurmountable as the Wolves could not get the deficit within single digits. It was clear Dallas did not only want to win and advance, but they wanted to prove a point. There has been so much talk these playoffs about how this is Boston’s championship to lose, but Luka and the Mavs like to think otherwise. Game 1 of the NBA Finals between Dallas & Boston is set for Thursday, June 6th at 7:30 CT on ABC.
Comments