### 3 Takeaways from the Mavericks' 109-108 Victory Over the Timberwolves **Luka Doncic Nails the Game-Winner with 3 Seconds Left** By Kirk Henderson @KirkSeriousFace May 24, 2024, 10:11 PM CDT 176 Comments / 176 New

 

The Dallas Mavericks stunned the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 109-108 victory, rallying from an 18-point deficit to win on Luka Doncic's step-back jumper with three seconds remaining. Doncic led the Mavericks with a triple-double, scoring 32 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out 13 assists. Naz Reid scored 23 points off the bench to lead the Timberwolves. With this win, the Mavericks now hold a commanding 2-0 series lead as the teams head to Dallas.

### 1. The Mavericks’ Resilience Shines

Minnesota came out strong, quickly putting Dallas in foul trouble within the first five minutes. Anthony Edwards was aggressive in attacking the paint, while Doncic kept the Mavericks close with a couple of early threes. Karl-Anthony Towns’ early foul trouble brought in Naz Reid, who made an immediate impact with two threes. Despite offensive struggles, contributions from Derrick Lively and Jaden Hardy helped Dallas stay within striking distance, ending the first quarter trailing 32-26.

The second quarter saw Dallas fall behind by 12 points as their defense and rebounding faltered. Towns dominated the paint, and Reid's fourth three-pointer extended the Wolves' lead to 15, forcing a Mavericks timeout. Coach Jason Kidd tried various backup guards, but neither Dante Exum nor Tim Hardaway Jr. could contribute effectively. However, an 8-2 run in the final three minutes of the half allowed Dallas to cut the deficit to 60-48 at halftime.

### 2. Fourth-Quarter Heroics from Doncic and Irving

Mental mistakes plagued Dallas early in the second half, allowing Minnesota to extend their lead to 16. However, Doncic’s dazzling passes and shot-making helped cut the lead to single digits. Despite a brief Timberwolves rally, key contributions from Josh Green and Jaden Hardy kept the game close. Hardy’s late three-pointer and assist helped Dallas enter the final quarter trailing 86-79.

Kyrie Irving opened the fourth quarter with his first three of the series, sparking a Dallas comeback. Another Irving three, combined with a Washington post score, gave the Mavericks their first lead since the first quarter. The teams traded baskets, with Reid’s hot shooting keeping Minnesota ahead. However, crucial defensive plays by Daniel Gafford and timely scores by Irving kept Dallas within reach. With the game tied and 12 seconds left, Doncic nailed a three-pointer over Rudy Gobert to secure the win for Dallas, as Reid missed a potential game-winner for Minnesota.

### 3. Bench Contributions and Frontcourt Dominance

Throughout the playoffs, Jason Kidd has relied on his bench to provide crucial minutes for Irving and Doncic. In this game, both Jaden Hardy and Josh Green stepped up significantly. Green, who struggled in Game 1, redeemed himself with a key three-pointer and solid all-around play, leading the Mavericks in plus-minus with a +15. Hardy’s confidence and timely shooting were also vital in the comeback.

The Mavericks' frontcourt, featuring Dereck Lively and Daniel Gafford, played a pivotal role in the series. Despite facing a Timberwolves frontcourt with a Defensive Player of the Year, an All-Star, and an All-Defensive team player, Lively and Gafford have been instrumental. Gafford’s shot-blocking and Lively’s steady performance have made them crucial to the Mavericks’ success in these first two games.

---