Anthony Edwards leads the Minnesota Timberwolves with a near triple-double performance in their 105-100 win over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. © Twitter (@NBA)
The Minnesota Timberwolves breathed new life into their playoff run, staving off elimination with a 105-100 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. This hard-fought win on the road forces a Game 5, giving Minnesota a glimmer of hope in their quest to overcome a 3-0 series deficit, something no team in NBA history has accomplished. Here’s a detailed look at how the Wolves clawed their way back into the series.
Timberwolves’ Dynamic Duo Delivers
Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns were instrumental in Minnesota’s victory. Edwards came tantalizingly close to a triple-double, finishing with 29 points, ten rebounds, and nine assists. His aggressive play set the tone early, especially with his frequent trips to the free-throw line in the first quarter. Although he cooled off in the middle quarters, Edwards’ relentless drive and versatile scoring kept the Mavericks’ defence on its toes.
Karl-Anthony Towns had his breakout performance of the series, posting 25 points, with 20 of those coming in a crucial second half. Towns, who had struggled mightily from three-point range in the first three games, found his stroke when it mattered most, hitting four of five from beyond the arc in the second half. His resurgence was a critical factor in Minnesota’s offensive efficiency.
Closing Strong: A New Narrative for Minnesota
One of the defining features of this series has been Minnesota’s inability to close out games. Despite leading in the final minutes of every game, the Wolves had repeatedly faltered down the stretch. Game 4 was different. With the score tight and the pressure mounting, Towns hit three critical three-pointers within less than three minutes, providing the cushion Minnesota needed.
Defensively, the Wolves were stellar, registering seven stops over a critical 10-possession span. This defensive tenacity, combined with 58% shooting in the second half, showcased a resilience that had been missing in previous games.
Mavericks’ Stars Struggle
The usually reliable Kyrie Irving had an uncharacteristically off night, scoring just 16 points on 18 shots, including a dismal one-for-six from three-point range. This game marked Irving’s first loss in a potential closeout game in his playoff career, highlighting the unusual nature of his performance.
Luka Doncic recorded a triple-double (28 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists), but it wasn’t enough. Doncic’s shooting woes (7-for-21 from the field) mirrored those of his backcourt partner, with the Mavericks’ dynamic duo combining for a lacklustre 13-for-39 from the field. Doncic’s effort, while valiant, could not compensate for the overall inefficiency and the critical turnover in the final minute that sealed the Mavericks’ fate.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
The Timberwolves benefited from solid contributions from their supporting cast. Mike Conley added fourteen points and seven assists, providing veteran leadership and stability in the backcourt. Rudy Gobert contributed a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, anchoring the defence and controlling the boards.
What’s Next?
With the series now at 3-1, the Timberwolves head back to Minnesota for Game 5, riding the momentum of this crucial win. They face a daunting challenge, but their Game 4 performance showed they have the talent and tenacity to compete with the Mavericks.
