The NBA's Westernnull Conference finals got off to a dynamic start as the Dallas Mavericks took Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a Minneapolis thriller on Wednesday.


Entering the fourth quarter trailing 83-82, the Mavericks rallied behind 15 of Luka Doncic's team-high 33 points in the final period to pull out a 108-105 win.

The game was close throughout as neither Minnesota's Anthony Edwards nor Doncic found much consistency during the first half. Kyrie Irving poured in 24 points in the first half, however, to keep Dallas in the game, before Doncic found his footing over the final two quarters.


The teams traded double-digit scoring runs, with the Mavericks establishing an eight-point lead following a  13-0 spurt, only to see the Timberwolves respond with a 10-0 burst to get back into the game. Dallas' defense responded and held Minnesota scoreless over three crucial minutes down the stretch of the fourth to close out Game 1 and steal home-court advantage.


Jaden McDaniels led the Wolves with 24 points, while Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns combined to go 12-for-36 from the field.


With the Mavs striking first, our NBA Insiders look at the biggest moments of Game 1, what adjustments can be made in Friday's Game 2 in Minneapolis (8:30 p.m. ET, TNT) and which role players will be key the rest of the way for each team.

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### Biggest Moments of Game 1


1. **Luka Doncic’s Fourth-Quarter Surge**: Luka Doncic's 15-point explosion in the final quarter was crucial. His ability to take over when it mattered most showcased his leadership and clutch performance.

2. **Kyrie Irving's First Half**: Irving's 24 points in the first half kept the Mavericks competitive despite Doncic's early struggles. His offensive output provided a foundation for Dallas to stay in the game.

3. **Mavericks' Defensive Stand**: The Mavs' defense stepping up in the final minutes, holding the Timberwolves scoreless for three key minutes, was pivotal in securing the win.


### Adjustments for Game 2


**Dallas Mavericks:**

1. **Consistent Defense**: Maintaining the defensive intensity shown in the fourth quarter throughout the entire game will be key.

2. **Supporting Cast Contribution**: While Doncic and Irving were instrumental, contributions from role players like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dorian Finney-Smith will be crucial to sustain their offense.


**Minnesota Timberwolves:**

1. **Improved Shooting Efficiency**: Edwards and Towns need to improve their shooting accuracy to give the Timberwolves a better chance. Going 12-for-36 is not sustainable against a strong team like the Mavericks.

2. **Bench Production**: Increased scoring and defensive efforts from the bench will be necessary to support the starters and keep up with Dallas.


#### Key Role Players


**Dallas Mavericks:**

- **Tim Hardaway Jr.**: His perimeter shooting can stretch the floor and open up driving lanes for Doncic and Irving.

- **Dorian Finney-Smith**: His defense and rebounding will be critical in limiting the impact of Edwards and Towns.


**Minnesota Timberwolves:**

- **Jaden McDaniels**: After leading the team in scoring in Game 1, McDaniels needs to continue his offensive production.

- **Naz Reid**: His presence off the bench can provide the Timberwolves with much-needed energy and interior defense.

### Conclusion


Game 1 set the stage for what promises to be an exciting series. The Mavericks have gained an early advantage, but the Timberwolves will look to bounce back and even the series. Adjustments from both teams and key performances from role players will likely determine the outcome of Game 2 and the rest of the series.

 

1. What is your biggest takeaway from Game 1?null


### Tim MacMahon: Mavericks Break Game 1 Curse Under Coach Kidd

The Mavericks are in uncharted territory, winning a Game 1 under coach Jason Kidd for the first time in six tries. Dallas' star duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, who had relatively quiet second-round series by their standards, took turns carrying Dallas in the opener. Irving scored 24 of his 30 points in the first half to keep the Mavs within striking distance. Doncic filled the closer role, scoring 15 of his 33 in the fourth quarter and making a couple of clutch defensive stops.

### Dave McMenamin: Timberwolves' Small Mistakes Prove Costly

In what should be a long, competitive series, the Timberwolves already showed that failing to execute on the little things can make the difference. With 1:41 to go in Game 1, Karl-Anthony Towns was called for offensive goaltending; with 1:06 remaining, Mike Conley's lob to Rudy Gobert was stolen by Doncic. Despite those critical miscues, the Wolves found a sliver of hope when, down by four points with less than two seconds remaining, Conley drew a 3-point shooting foul. To give Minnesota a chance, he had to make the first two free throws then purposely miss the third to allow for a tip-in opportunity. He missed the second, thwarting any chance at a long-shot comeback. The Wolves were 11-for-18 from the line; the Mavs went 16-for-17.

### Brian Windhorst: Experience of Doncic and Irving Shines Through

You could feel the big-game experience of Doncic and Irving compared to Anthony Edwards and Towns, and that became a defining storyline in Dallas' Game 1 win. Irving proved it early, keeping the Mavs on pace while Minnesota virtually couldn't miss. Doncic, meanwhile, proved it late with a brilliant individual scoring effort.

### Key Insights and Analysis

**Big Moments:**
- **Doncic’s Fourth-Quarter Heroics:** Luka Doncic’s late-game scoring and defensive stops were crucial in the Mavericks’ win.
- **Irving’s First Half:** Kyrie Irving's explosive start kept Dallas in the game despite early struggles from Doncic.
- **Minnesota's Late-Game Errors:** Critical mistakes, like Towns' offensive goaltending and Conley's turnover, underscored Minnesota's need for better execution under pressure.

**Adjustments for Game 2:**null

**Dallas Mavericks:**
- **Sustained Defensive Intensity:** Maintaining the high defensive standard set in the fourth quarter throughout the game.
- **Role Player Contributions:** Additional scoring and defensive efforts from players like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dorian Finney-Smith will be vital.

**Minnesota Timberwolves:**
- **Improved Free-Throw Shooting:** A better performance from the line could have altered the outcome of Game 1.
- **Reduced Turnovers:** Minimizing critical errors in the closing minutes to avoid giving Dallas extra opportunities.

**Key Role Players:**

**Dallas Mavericks:**
- **Tim Hardaway Jr.:** His ability to knock down threes can open up the floor for Doncic and Irving.
- **Dorian Finney-Smith:** His defense on Minnesota’s key players and rebounding will be essential.

**Minnesota Timberwolves:**
- **Jaden McDaniels:** Needs to continue his strong offensive output to relieve some pressure off Edwards and Towns.
- **Naz Reid:** Providing energy and defense off the bench will be crucial for the Timberwolves.

### Conclusion

Game 1 set a compelling tone for the series, highlighting the Mavericks' ability to perform under pressure and the Timberwolves' need for better execution in critical moments. With both teams making adjustments, Game 2 promises to be another intense matchup.


2. What is one big adjustment we could see in Game 2?


Tim MacMahon: Time to Lean on Dereck Lively II in Mavs' Center Rotation

It's time for the Mavericks to tweak their tag-team center rotation to tilt the minutes heavily toward rookie Dereck Lively II. Changing the starting lineup would be too drastic at this point, especially with a lead in the series, but it's impossible to ignore that the Mavs are plus-106 with Lively on the floor in the playoffs and minus-62 with Daniel Gafford in the lineup.

Dave McMenamin: Wolves Aim to Pick Up the Pace in Game 2

The Wolves slowed down in the second half, scoring just 43 points compared to 62 in the first two quarters. After the defeat, Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards lamented Minnesota's meager 12 fast-break points. Edwards also criticized himself for letting Kyrie Irving beat him down the court for a layup after a made basket by the Wolves. Minnesota sounds ready to pick up the pace in Game 2.

Brian Windhorst: Mavericks' Defensive Strategy Key to Success

The Mavericks have announced their game plan: they will pack the paint and dare Minnesota to beat them with the outside shot. Dallas wants to put multiple bodies between Edwards, Towns, and the rim. Edwards had to work extremely hard to create space for himself throughout Game 1, and Towns had no space when he was inside. In the first half, the Wolves were 11-of-25 on 3s. In the second half, Dallas' strategy started to work, as Minnesota went 7-of-24 from deep, and Edwards and Towns were a combined 12-of-36 from the field. That is a winning formula.

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3. Which role player will be the biggest X factor the rest of the series?


From the second-round action, it’s clear that P.J. Washington's role for the Mavericks has been critical. Despite early struggles from beyond the arc, his clutch 3-pointer in Game 1 proved pivotal. Washington’s defensive efforts against Karl-Anthony Towns were particularly noteworthy, limiting Towns to just 6-of-20 shooting. If Washington can maintain his defensive intensity, the Timberwolves will find it challenging to regain momentum in the series.

For the Timberwolves, Jaden McDaniels has shown considerable promise, particularly through the first three quarters of Game 1. He effectively contained Luka Doncic, holding him to 4-for-12 shooting. Offensively, McDaniels contributed 21 points on 8-for-12 shooting. However, McDaniels struggled in the fourth quarter, allowing Doncic to score more efficiently while committing crucial turnovers himself. The Wolves will need McDaniels to maintain his performance throughout the entire game to keep their chances alive.

Mike Conley’s return from an Achilles tendon injury adds another layer of complexity. While his impact was not significantly felt in the closing moments of Game 1, his role in organizing the offense and providing veteran leadership is vital. Conley's ability to stabilize the team during critical moments could be the determining factor for the Wolves moving forward.

Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving lead Mavs past Timberwolves in Game 1



In the Western Conference finals opener in Minneapolis, Luka Doncic demonstrated his resilience and ability to deliver under pressure. Although he struggled by his high standards through the first 36 minutes, the Dallas Mavericks managed to stay close to the Minnesota Timberwolves, largely thanks to the stellar performance of Kyrie Irving. Irving's 24-point first half provided the cushion the Mavericks needed while Doncic found his rhythm.

Irving's early scoring spree, totaling 30 points in the game, was crucial in keeping Dallas within striking distance. This allowed Doncic to step up as the game progressed, culminating in a dominant fourth quarter where he scored 15 of his 33 points. His late-game heroics led the Mavericks to a thrilling 108-105 victory in Game 1.

Reflecting on his performance, Doncic acknowledged his early struggles but emphasized his determination to turn things around in the final quarter. "I just said to myself, 'We got to win this game. I gotta be way better,'" Doncic remarked. "Because three quarters, I didn't play good. So I just came into the fourth, got to my spots and lead the team to win."

Doncic's ability to elevate his game in crucial moments, combined with Irving's support, sets a strong tone for the Mavericks as they continue their push in the series.

In the intense Western Conference finals opener, Luka Doncic demonstrated his resilience and skill despite dealing with a sprained right knee and facing the formidable defense of second-team All-Defensive selection Jaden McDaniels. Doncic missed 12 of his first 19 shots but found his rhythm in the fourth quarter, scoring critical baskets to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 108-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
 
Doncic sparked a personal 7-0 run early in the fourth quarter, taking the lead for the Mavericks with a series of impressive shots over the 6-foot-10 McDaniels and a step-back 3 over Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Even when the Timberwolves regained the lead, Doncic continued his offensive assault, hitting a step-back over Anthony Edwards and a midrange dagger over McDaniels with just 49 seconds left on the clock.

Kyrie Irving praised Doncic's scoring prowess, noting, "We know he's one of the best scorers of all time, really." Irving’s support was crucial in the first half, where he scored 24 of his 30 points, keeping the Mavericks within striking distance. Irving’s performance, which included 11 of 14 shooting, showcased his ability to finish in the paint and maintain the team's momentum.

Doncic's impact wasn't limited to scoring; he made key defensive plays in the final minutes. He stole a pass from McDaniels, leading to a fast break that resulted in P.J. Washington's crucial 3-pointer, giving Dallas the lead with 1:56 remaining. Doncic also broke up an alley-oop attempt from Mike Conley to Rudy Gobert, attributing his anticipation to studying the scouting report.

Reflecting on his performance, Doncic said, "I like to read the game." He also expressed appreciation for Irving's first-half heroics, acknowledging, "We probably would've [been] down 20 if he wouldn't have scored so many points. So I appreciate him keeping us in the game."

Irving's playoff experience and poise were evident, particularly in the first half, where he scored the second-highest number of points in his playoff career. His aggressive start was partly fueled by Anthony Edwards' post-Game 7 comments about guarding Irving, which motivated him to deliver a standout performance.

Doncic and Irving's combined efforts made NBA history as the first duo to each score 30 points in a series opener twice during the same playoff run. Despite this, it was the first time under coach Jason Kidd that the Mavericks won Game 1, having previously won four out of five series despite losing the opener.

"This is new for us," Kidd commented. "We don't win Game 1 normally, so we've got to go back and see how we did this. But we've got to understand what's coming for Game 2."

As the Mavericks prepare for the next game, the performances of Doncic and Irving set a high bar and indicate that this series will be a fiercely contested battle.


Wolves lament failure to execute late in Game 1 loss to Mavs


In the aftermath of the Minnesota Timberwolves' narrow 108-105 loss to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals, head coach Chris Finch pinpointed a lack of composure as the critical issue. The Timberwolves committed five of their 10 turnovers in the final quarter, significantly impacting the game's outcome, particularly in the last 3 minutes and 37 seconds when the Mavericks outscored them 10-3.
 
"No composure," Finch summarized, highlighting the team's inability to maintain control during crucial moments. This lack of composure in closing out quarters and halves has been a recurring issue for the Timberwolves, affecting their performance in previous games, including the Denver series.

The Timberwolves had managed an impressive 13-1 run over a 4:01 span in the middle of the fourth quarter, turning an eight-point deficit into a four-point lead. However, their late-game mistakes and inability to execute effectively in the clutch allowed the Mavericks to snatch the victory.

Finch emphasized the need for improvement in high-pressure situations, stating, "We've got to be better in clutch moments." The team's struggles in closing out games have cost them in critical moments, and addressing this will be key to their chances of success as the series progresses.

In a tightly contested Game 1 of the Western Conference finals, the Minnesota Timberwolves fell short against the Dallas Mavericks, losing 108-105. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch attributed the loss to a lack of composure, a sentiment echoed by the players and the sequence of crucial mistakes in the final moments of the game.

A pivotal moment came when Mavericks' rookie center Dereck Lively II grabbed an offensive rebound off a missed Kyrie Irving layup. With no one boxing him out, Lively secured the ball and pitched it out to Luka Doncic, who hit a crucial 3-pointer.

The Timberwolves then made three consecutive turnovers that shifted the game's momentum:

1. Jaden McDaniels, pressured near the baseline, attempted a risky pass that Luka Doncic intercepted, leading to a break that resulted in a P.J. Washington corner 3-pointer.
2. Karl-Anthony Towns was called for offensive goaltending when he dunked a putback from a Mike Conley missed 3-pointer, a call confirmed by the video replay center.
3. Mike Conley threw a lob to Rudy Gobert in traffic, which Doncic intercepted for another crucial steal.

McDaniels, who scored a team-high 24 points on 9-for-15 shooting, emphasized the need for better execution of the "small things," such as preventing offensive rebounds and minimizing turnovers.

Despite these setbacks, the Timberwolves had a chance to tie the game. After Irving's free throws put the Mavericks up by four with 7 seconds remaining, Conley drew a foul on Mavs guard Josh Green from beyond the arc with 1.8 seconds left. Conley needed to make the first two free throws and miss the third intentionally for a potential tip-in to tie the game. However, he made the first and missed the second, squandering the opportunity. The Wolves' poor free-throw shooting (11-for-18) compared to the Mavericks' 16-for-17 further highlighted their struggles.
 
Reflecting on the game, Conley noted that their previous playoff experiences hadn't prepared them for the intensity of trading baskets and handling late-game situations. "I think we haven't been tested like this where we've had to trade basket to basket, late-game free throw situations or fouling situations, stuff that we have to be better at," Conley said. "But we'll learn from it. I think each game we've learned a lot about ourselves, a lot we can get better at. Obviously, it's going to be a long series, regardless of what happened tonight."

The Timberwolves will need to address these late-game execution issues and composure if they hope to rebound and compete effectively in the series.

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