Early Advantage for Mavericks
In Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference Finals, the Dallas Mavericks traveled to face the Minnesota Timberwolves. With a 2-0 lead in the series, the Mavericks started strong, leading at halftime. Despite a third-quarter surge by the Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards, who scored 10 points, the Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving took over in the final quarter, scoring 14 points to secure a 116-107 victory. Dallas now holds a 3-0 lead in the series.
Strong Start in the First Half
The Mavericks, coming off two road wins, were eager to continue their momentum. In the first quarter, they hit five three-pointers, taking a 33-28 lead. Luka Doncic and Irving continued to dominate in the second quarter, extending the lead to double digits. Despite Rudy Gobert’s efforts in the paint, the Timberwolves struggled to keep up. An injury to Mavericks’ Dereck Lively II gave the Timberwolves a chance to cut the deficit to eight points by halftime.
Timberwolves’ Third-Quarter Rally
The Timberwolves came out strong in the third quarter, with Edwards leading a 13-3 run. Edwards scored 10 points in the quarter, and Karl-Anthony Towns’ layup in the final seconds tied the game at 87-87, setting the stage for a thrilling fourth quarter.
Irving Takes Control in the Fourth Quarter
The final quarter saw back-and-forth action until Irving took over. He scored 14 points on 7-of-5 shooting, shutting down the Timberwolves’ comeback hopes. The Mavericks outscored the Timberwolves by nine points in the quarter, securing the win and taking a commanding 3-0 lead in the series.
Mavericks’ Star Performances
Both Doncic and Irving scored 33 points each, with Doncic adding 7 rebounds and 5 assists. P.J. Washington contributed 16 points and 8 rebounds, while Tyus Jones added 11 points. For the Timberwolves, Edwards led with 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists. Mike Conley scored 16 points, Jaden McDaniels added 15, and Towns had a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds but struggled from the three-point line, missing all eight attempts.
Looking Ahead to Game 4
The Timberwolves face elimination in Game 4, which will also be held in Dallas. With a 3-0 series lead, the Mavericks are just one win away from advancing to the NBA Finals. (7XM)