Mavericks Triumph In Game 1 Road Win Over Timberwolves With Doncic's Lead

Luka Dončić scored 15 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter, and Kyrie Irving added 30 points as the Dallas Mavericks edged the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-105 on the road in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals on Wednesday night.

Dallas trailed 102-98 after Anthony Edwards' three-pointer with 3:37 remaining but scored the next eight points—five from Dončić—before the Timberwolves scored on a tip-in with 10.5 seconds to play. Game 2 is scheduled for Friday night in Minnesota.

Jaden McDaniels had his third straight 20-plus point game with 24 points for Minnesota. Edwards, who went scoreless in the third quarter, had 19 points on 6-of-16 shooting, along with 11 rebounds and eight assists. Karl-Anthony Towns needed a late burst to reach 16 points and finished 6 for 20 from the field.

The Timberwolves hit 18 three-pointers compared to just six for the Mavericks but were outscored 62-38 in the paint. Minnesota also struggled from the free-throw line, making only 11 of their 18 attempts.

Decisive Moments

P.J. Washington hit a crucial three-pointer during Dallas' late deciding run and finished with 13 points and seven rebounds. Irving effectively sealed the win with a pair of free throws with seven seconds left.

Looking Ahead

With Game 2 approaching, both teams will look to make adjustments. The Mavericks will aim to continue their strong performance in the paint, while the Timberwolves will need to improve their free-throw shooting to even the series.