Game 1 of the NBA's Western Conference finals saw the Dallas Mavericks secure a thrilling victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis. Despite trailing 83-82 entering the fourth quarter, the Mavericks, fueled by Luka Doncic's 15 points in the final period, clinched a 108-105 win. The game remained tight throughout, with neither Anthony Edwards nor Doncic finding consistent form in the first half. Kyrie Irving's 24 first-half points kept Dallas competitive before Doncic took charge in the latter stages. Both teams experienced momentum swings, but Dallas' defense held firm in the closing minutes, securing the win and seizing home-court advantage. Jaden McDaniels led the Timberwolves with 24 points, while Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns struggled from the field. As the series progresses, attention turns to Game 2 adjustments and the impact of role players on both teams.
Rewriting: Making a couple of crucial defensive stops.
EDITOR'S PICKS
The key plays and strategies that will determine the outcome of these unexpected conference finals
3dNBA Insiders
Key observations from a frenzied Game 1 between Celtics and Pacers
1dNBA Insiders
Which NBA champions do the Celtics, Mavs, Wolves, and Pacers resemble the most?
1dNeil Paine
Dave McMenamin: In what promises to be a hard-fought series, the Timberwolves demonstrated that lapses in execution can be decisive. At 1:41 left in Game 1, Towns was penalized for offensive goaltending; at 1:06 remaining, Mike Conley's lob to Rudy Gobert was intercepted by Doncic. Despite these crucial errors, the Wolves clung to hope when, trailing by four points with under two seconds left, Conley drew a 3-point shooting foul. To keep Minnesota in contention, he needed to convert the first two free throws then intentionally miss the third for a tip-in opportunity. He missed the second, extinguishing any chance of a dramatic comeback. The Wolves shot 11-for-18 from the line; the Mavs went 16-for-17.
Brian Windhorst: The contrast in big-game experience between Doncic and Irving versus Edwards and Towns was palpable and ultimately defined Dallas' Game 1 victory. Irving set the tone early, keeping the Mavs in the game while Minnesota seemed unstoppable. Doncic, on the other hand, showcased his brilliance with clutch scoring late in the game.
2. What's a significant adjustment we might witness in Game 2?
MacMahon: It's time for the Mavs to adjust their center rotation, favoring rookie Dereck Lively II with more minutes. Making changes to the starting lineup might be too drastic, especially with a series lead, but the statistics speak volumes: the Mavs are plus-106 with Lively on the court in the playoffs compared to minus-62 with Daniel Gafford in the lineup.
Welcome to ESPN India Edition
NBA NBA
Home
Scores
Schedule
Playoffs
Playoffs Bracket
Standings
Stats
Teams
Draft
Daily Lines
Depth Charts
Transactions
Fantasy Men's Basketball
Injuries
NBA Trade Machine
NBA Playoff Challenge
Hall of Fame
G League
World of Woj
NBA History
NBA.COM tickets
Tickets
Key Takeaways from Mavericks vs. Timberwolves Game 1
NBA Insiders
May 23, 2024, 10:30 AM
Share
LikeLike
Open Extended Reactions
LikeInterestingFire
413
The NBA's Western Conference finals started with a bang as the Dallas Mavericks clinched Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a thrilling contest in Minneapolis on Wednesday.
Trailing 83-82 entering the fourth quarter, the Mavericks mounted a comeback fueled by Luka Doncic's 33 points, 15 of which came in the final period, securing a 108-105 victory.
Throughout the game, neither Anthony Edwards nor Doncic found consistent rhythm in the first half. However, Kyrie Irving's 24 first-half points kept Dallas in contention until Doncic found his groove in the latter stages.
The momentum swung back and forth, with the Mavericks establishing an eight-point lead after a 13-0 run, only for the Timberwolves to counter with a 10-0 surge. Dallas' defense stepped up, holding Minnesota scoreless for three crucial minutes in the fourth to seal the win and snatch home-court advantage.
Jaden McDaniels led the Wolves with 24 points, while Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns struggled, shooting a combined 12-of-36 from the field.
With Dallas drawing first blood, our NBA Insiders analyze the pivotal moments of Game 1, potential adjustments for Game 2 on Friday in Minneapolis (8:30 p.m. ET, TNT), and identify key role players for the remainder of the series.
1. What stood out to you the most from Game 1?
Tim MacMahon: For the first time under coach Jason Kidd, the Mavericks clinched a Game 1 victory, signaling a promising start. Doncic and Irving, after a subdued second-round series, took charge in Game 1. Irving's 30-point performance, with 24 in the first half, kept Dallas competitive, while Doncic showcased his clutch scoring and defensive prowess, tallying 15 of his 33 points in the final quarter.
EDITOR'S PICKS
Analyzing the pivotal factors that will shape the outcome of these surprising conference finals
3dNBA Insiders
Key insights from the chaotic Game 1 clash between Celtics and Pacers
1dNBA Insiders
Comparing Celtics, Mavs, Wolves, and Pacers to past NBA champions
1dNeil Paine
Dave McMenamin: In what promises to be a competitive series, the Timberwolves highlighted the significance of executing the fundamentals. Despite critical mistakes, including offensive goaltending and turnovers, Minnesota remained within striking distance. However, missed opportunities, including a crucial missed free throw by Mike Conley, thwarted any chance of a comeback. Minnesota's struggles from the free-throw line contrasted with Dallas' efficiency, ultimately impacting the outcome.
Brian Windhorst: The disparity in big-game experience between Doncic, Irving, and their counterparts, Edwards and Towns, shaped Game 1. Irving set the tone early, matching Minnesota's offensive output, while Doncic's late-game heroics secured the win for Dallas.
2. What adjustment could we anticipate in Game 2?
MacMahon: It's time for the Mavericks to adjust their center rotation, favoring rookie Dereck Lively II with increased minutes. While altering the starting lineup might be drastic, Dallas must address the disparity in performance. Lively's impact on the court, evidenced by the team's playoff statistics, warrants a reconsideration of his role.
2024 NBA postseason
Stay updated with comprehensive coverage of the conference finals.
• Impact of potential title wins for four prominent players
• Pelton's analysis on the construction of the final four teams
• Notable players and statistics in the conference finals matchups
• Neil Paine's comparison of contenders to past NBA champions
• Insights into the significance of Edwards for the Wolves
McMenamin: The Wolves' offensive production dwindled in the second half, underscoring the importance of maintaining tempo and capitalizing on transition opportunities. Edwards acknowledged the team's shortcomings, particularly in generating fast-break points. Additionally, defensive lapses, such as allowing Irving to score easily in transition, must be addressed to improve Minnesota's chances in Game 2.
Windhorst: Dallas intends to stifle Minnesota's interior offense by clogging the paint and forcing outside shots. The strategy proved effective in limiting Edwards and Towns in Game 1, as evidenced by their diminished shooting efficiency in the second half. To counter this defensive scheme, the Wolves must adjust their offensive approach and capitalize on perimeter opportunities.
3. Which role player will emerge as the X factor in the series?
0 Comments