After failing to take out the broom during Game 4, the Dallas Mavericks completed a gentleman’s sweep against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday. Minnesota’s defense was the most touted force in the game, but it was Dallas that dominated them on that end. The Mavericks, led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, sent the Timberwolves home after a 124-103 victory to advance to the 2024 NBA Finals.
Doncic and Irving were the undisputed stars of the series, but Jason Kidd got great performances from the entire roster. Derek Lively II returned from a neck sprain to help anchor the defense with Daniel Gafford. PJ Washington also made a few timely shots in the game.
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Dallas is back in the championship round for the first time since winning it all in 2011 behind Dirk Nowitzki. The Boston Celtics will wait until they decide the rightful winner of the 2024 Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Dallas Mavericks vs Minnesota Timberwolves Player Stats and Box Scores
Dallas Mavericks Player Stats and Box Scores
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Stats and Box Scores
Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves match summary
The Dallas Mavericks were two steps ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves defensively. They held the home team to 19 points while Luka Doncic topped them with 20 points of his own. Dallas’ 17-1 run late in the first quarter gave it a 35-19 advantage heading into the next period.
Minnesota had a few mini points to cut into Dallas’ lead, but the Mavericks always had an answer. Doncic only added five more points but Irving took over, scattering 15 points in the same period.
Karl-Anthony Towns tried to revive himself and his team by forcing his way into the paint. Anthony Edwards also had his moments, but the Mavericks defense was nothing short of ruthless. Dallas also uncorked another paralyzing sequence (11-2) to end the period and take a 69-40 advantage before the halftime break.
The Minnesota Timberwolves found rhythm in the third quarter behind Karl-Anthony Towns’ 14 points. Anthony Edwards made some nifty moves to the basket, but was still largely held in check by the Dallas defense. Minnesota won the third period, but still trailed 97-73 with 12 minutes remaining.
“Ant-Man” desperately wanted to lead one rally after another, but the Dallas Mavericks stifled every comeback attempt. The visitors’ defense once again proved too difficult to break down. Derek Lively II’s activity alone was a problem the Timberwolves had difficulty solving.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch finally waved the white flag with just over two minutes remaining. Once his starters came out, Jason Kidd responded with the same gesture. The final score was 124-103, but the loss was more emphatic than the deficit suggested.
Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards’ 3 points tonight
Kyrie Irving made one of two deep attempts Luka Doncic broke out for 5-for-8 from the same range in the first half. Karl-Anthony Towns couldn’t make one of his two shots from behind the arc while Anthony Edwards had a 1-for-2 clip.
Irving and Doncic combined to make 20 shots from long range and sank 10. Meanwhile, Towns and Edwards limped to a 5-of-12 finish Thursday from the same distance.
