The Dallas Mavericks have once again proven their mettle, pulling off a hard-fought 116-107 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3. True to the series' nature, the game was a nail-biter, with the Mavericks overcoming a lost double-digit lead in the first half. Ultimately, it was their late fourth-quarter defensive stand and clutch shooting from Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic that secured their fifth straight playoff victory.
Dallas started the game on a high note, with shots falling early. Derrick Jones Jr. was particularly impressive, hitting all three of his three-point attempts in the first half. The team as a whole posted an outstanding 48/54/89 shooting line, which powered them to a 60-52 lead at halftime. This marked their first lead of the series, a refreshing change from their comeback wins in the previous two games.
The game took a significant turn when Karl-Anthony Towns inadvertently kneed Dereck Lively II in the back of the head during a rebound attempt. Lively had to leave the game and did not return, which visibly affected the Mavericks. Minnesota capitalized on this shift, with Anthony Edwards sparking an 8-0 solo run to tie the game at 77. The third quarter ended with both teams locked at 87 after trading the lead multiple times.
The fourth quarter was a tight battle, with neither team able to secure a substantial advantage. With just over three and a half minutes remaining and the game tied at 104, PJ Washington hit a crucial corner three-pointer, giving Dallas the momentum they needed. This shot ignited a 13-3 run, effectively putting the game out of Minnesota's reach. A lob from Doncic to Daniel Gafford for an and-1 dunk was the final blow, extending the Mavericks' lead to nine points with less than four minutes to go.
Without their standout rookie Lively, Dallas struggled in the paint, losing the rebounding battle 44-38 and getting outscored 50-40 by Minnesota in the paint. The Timberwolves' 77% shooting in the restricted area was significantly better than their performance earlier in the series.
Despite these challenges, the Mavericks excelled from beyond the arc, making 50% of their 28 three-point attempts. Additionally, Coach Jason Kidd's emphasis on free throws after Game 2 paid off, with Dallas earning a series-high 31 trips to the line and converting over 82% of them.
Throughout the game, Dallas maintained their composure despite the challenging officiating. With both teams' coaches exhausting their challenges early, the Mavericks focused on staying mentally strong. This discipline was evident as Dallas players huddled on the court to refocus rather than arguing with referees
Minnesota faced significant foul trouble, with Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley, and Jaden McDaniels all having to sit out at crucial moments. Dallas capitalized on this by playing smart, cohesive basketball, especially in the closing minutes.
After the Timberwolves tied the game at 77 in the third quarter, it seemed like neither team could pull away until the final moments. Down 104-102 with under five minutes left, Dallas leaned on Irving and Washington. Irving tied the game with a layup, Washington hit a pivotal three, and the Mavericks' defense stepped up, allowing only a garbage-time layup by Edwards.
Doncic's performance was stellar, highlighted by a key defensive play where he tied up Anthony Edwards, resulting in a jump ball that went Dallas' way. This play epitomized Dallas' grit and determination to secure the win, despite missing their key rotation piece, Lively.
The Mavericks' ability to adapt and find different ways to win, even without a dominant presence in the paint, speaks volumes about their resilience and versatility. As the series progresses, Dallas will continue to rely on their dynamic duo of Irving and Doncic, and their collective team effort, to push through the challenges ahead.