The Minnesota Timberwolves finally managed a victory against the Dallas Mavericks 105-100 on Tuesday in Texas, and are now only down 3-1 in the NBA Western Conference final.
In a series of very close matches from the start, the Wolves finally managed to bare their fangs at the end of the game to turn a stifling match in their favor and avoid the humiliation of a « sweep » (swift sweep).
The Mavericks remain the big favorites to join Boston, which swept Indiana on Monday 4-0, in the NBA final.
Never has a team managed to reverse an NBA play-off series after being down 3-0.
To dream of such a feat, Minnesota will have to keep the flame alive on Thursday with an obligatory success at home.
Minnesota guard Anthony Edwards attacks the circle during the Timberwolves’ victory against the Mavericks, for Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Finals, May 28, 2024 in Dallas. / MATTHEW STOCKMAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
The Timberwolves were able to count on the awakening of Karl-Anthony Towns on Tuesday, lacking skill since the start of the series.
The Dominican stood out during the 4th quarter with two consecutive three-point baskets 5 minutes from time, for an evening with 25 points at 4 out of 5 from distance.
” Aggressive “
Often clumsy and author of 6 turnovers, the young leader of Minnesota Anthony Edwards (22 years old) fought to compile 29 points and 10 rebounds.
“I took it personally, I don’t want to be swept away. We played at a high level today (Tuesday). I was aggressive. I kept asking for the ball and my teammates passing it to me, they believed in me”commented Edwards on the microphone of the broadcaster TNT.
French pivot Rudy Gobert added 13 points and 10 rebounds for Minnesota which had started perfectly (27-20 at the end of the first quarter) before being joined for a score of 49 all at halftime.
After that, the gap never exceeded 8 points for a tense end to the match, during which the Wolves had to deal with too many personal errors from their stars.
An interception then a floater from Edwards at the end of the clock gave the Wolves a 6-point lead with 1:46 to go, before Edwards scored another decisive shot 38 seconds from the siren (+5 Minnesota ).
An unreal long basket from Luka Doncic accompanied by a foul then made Minnesota shudder, but the Slovenian missed his free throw with 13 seconds remaining.
Slovenian Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic shoots during Game 4 of the Western Conference final against the Timberwolves on May 28, 2024 in Dallas. / Tim Heitman / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
“We lost too many balls, especially in the first half, and we had to deal with frustrating foul problems. But the credit goes to the players who found the way to win this match”said coach Chris Finch.
“It’s my fault, I didn’t show enough energy”estimated Luka Doncic, disappointed at a press conference.
The Slovenian, who dominates this series with his protean talent, has yet again achieved a triple-double with 28 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, his usual attacking partner Kyrie Irving showing himself a little more discreet (16 points to 6 on 18 shooting, 4 assists).
. NBA Conference Finals Summary
WEST: Minnesota beats Dallas 105-100, Dallas leads 3-1, Game 5 Thursday at Minnesota
EST: Boston dominated Indiana 4-0, Boston qualified for the NBA Finals
