Luka Shines as Ant Struggles Through Two Games

Luka Dončić hit a last-second step-back three over Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert to complete a 20-point second-half comeback for the Mavericks, giving them a commanding 2-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals.

Looking ahead to Game 3 tonight in Dallas, Minnesota must get more offensive production from their All-Stars if they hope to fight back in this series. Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards have not had the same impact offensively against the Mavericks as they did against Denver. While the Timberwolves won two games in Denver last series, they face an uphill battle, especially with Luka Dončić playing like the best player in the league right now.

Luka and Kyrie Irving have significantly outplayed Towns and Edwards, particularly in the fourth quarters and clutch moments, putting the Mavericks on the brink of an NBA Finals appearance. Edwards has struggled to shut down Kyrie in crucial moments, and Towns wasn't even on the court to close out Game 2. Minnesota needs their stars to play like stars to have any hope of winning four of the next five games.

Dallas is currently a 1.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 207.5 for Game 3, as the Mavericks look to defend home court and take a commanding 3-0 lead over Minnesota.

By: Matteo Ametrano