In Game 2 of their Western Conference finals matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas, who won Game 1 in Minnesota, knew they would get a much better effort from the Timberwolves. For most of Game 2, Minnesota led. They had their largest lead of 18 points in the first half and a double-digit lead at halftime.
However, the Mavs kept chipping away, and they would take their first lead early in the fourth since the first quarter. With Dallas trailing by two late in the fourth, Luka Doncic made a three over Rudy Gobert. After Naz Reid’s three rimmed out at the buzzer, the Mavs would take Game 2 109-108 at Target Center to take a 2-0 series lead.
Game 3 is Sunday night in Dallas.
After the win, Mavs head coach Jason Kidd gave credit to Doncic. According to Kidd, the five-time All-Star never runs from big moments.
“Luka’s ability to create space in that moment, as you’ve seen with Luka, he loves that stage,” Kidd said. “He doesn’t run from it and he made a big shot. I thought he was great the whole game, keeping the guys together, his energy, knowing that we didn’t play well there in that first half.”
Irving, who scored 13 of his 20 points in the fourth, says he knew what Doncic was thinking when Gobert was guarding him.
“Got a great switch on Rudy(Gobert), and I know exactly what he was thinking,” Irving said. “So, it was just time to get ready for the magic to happen and got to his move shouted with confidence as we know he’ll always do and took us home tonight, man.”
Doncic, who had a triple-double with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists, did not expect Minnesota to switch the pick-and-roll.
“I don’t decide what I’m going to look before the play; I just see what defense gives me,” he said. “I didn’t expect that we’re going to switch. We’re just going to play that pick and roll. I told you Live(Dereck Lively), come, and we’ll just figure it out from there. Spot it, read the defense.”
The Mavs now have a commanding 2-0 lead with the next two games in Dallas; they could end this series in their building. However, Minnesota has led for 81 of the 96 minutes in this series, so they have been in control but have not been able to close the show.
Game 3 is a must-win for the Timberwolves; Dallas will get their best effort on Sunday night.
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