Mavericks one win away from NBA finals after defeating Timberwolves in Game 3
The Dallas Mavericks are on the brink of reaching the NBA Finals after a 116-107 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, giving them a commanding 3-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals series.
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving each scored 33 points, leading Dallas to a decisive win with a crucial 12-3 run in the final three minutes and 38 seconds of the game.
The Mavericks can secure their first finals appearance since their 2011 championship if they win game four at home on Tuesday (01:30 BST Wednesday).
«We need one more. Nothing’s done yet», stated Doncic. «They have an amazing team. If we get one more, then we get a rest».
The Timberwolves, who trailed by 12 points in the first half, managed to tie the game at 77-all with 4:51 left in the third quarter, thanks to an Anthony Edwards basket. This was the first of 10 ties over the next 13 minutes.
PJ Washington’s basket put Dallas ahead 107-104 before Doncic and Irving extended their lead.
Daniel Gafford made significant contributions on both ends of the court.
Gafford returned to the game after back-up center Dereck Lively II left in the third quarter with a strained neck. Gafford blocked Mike Conley’s lay-up attempt with 56.7 seconds left and completed a three-point play to secure the victory for Dallas.
«They tried to double me the whole game, they tried to double Kyrie. That just makes us better», added Doncic, who also recorded seven rebounds, five assists, and five steals.
«Everybody touches the ball, everybody makes plays. That’s what helps us win. We come down to the stretch and we execute».
Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics have a 3-0 lead over the Indiana Pacers, with game four set to take place in Indianapolis on Monday (01:00 BST Tuesday).
Source: bbc.com
