In a thrilling finish at the Target Center, Luka Doncic’s stepback 3-pointer with 3.8 seconds remaining sealed a 109-108 victory for the Dallas Mavericks over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.
The Mavericks overcame an 18-point first-half deficit and a late five-point gap to secure the win, thanks in large part to Doncic’s clutch shot-making and the team’s collective composure down the stretch.
“We just had to stay together and bring positive energy,” said Doncic, who finished with a team-high 33 points.
Mavs coach Jason Kidd praised his star player’s ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments. “Luka is special, and he loves these types of moments,” Kidd said.
Here are five key takeaways from the Mavericks’ hard-fought victory:
1. Doncic’s unguardable late-game play
When the game is on the line, defenses are often forced to choose between double-teaming Doncic or risking a game-winning shot. In this instance, four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert guarded Doncic, who created space with a fake drive and sank the go-ahead 3-pointer.
2. Anthony Edwards’ struggles continue
Edwards, the Wolves’ rising star, had another difficult night, shooting 5-for-17 from the field for 21 points. His frustration boiled over in the final seconds when he threw a pass into the first row, leading to a Mavericks’ basket.
3. Kyrie Irving’s redemption
Irving missed two crucial free throws in the final two minutes, but he redeemed himself with a corner 3-pointer that brought the Mavericks within two points and set up Doncic’s game-winner.
4. Karl-Anthony Towns’ limited impact
Despite being one of the Wolves’ best players, Towns was benched for the final 8:40 of the game. He shot poorly, going 4-for-16 from the field, and coach Chris Finch opted to play Kyle Anderson and Naz Reid instead.
5. Naz Reid’s standout performance
Reid, the Sixth Man of the Year, was the Wolves’ top performer in Game 2. He scored 21 points, including seven 3-pointers, and had a chance to win the game with a last-second shot, but it rimmed out.
