Mavericks vs Timberwolves; Close out Game in Dallas Tonight

Kyrie Irving puts his 14-0 undefeated streak in close-out games on the line tonight in Dallas as the Mavs hope to finish up a sweep of the Timberwolves.

Luka is on the brink of his first Finals appearance as him and Kyrie have severely out-played the duo of Towns and Edwards through these first three games. Lukas brought his scoring up to another level this series compared to the first two rounds against the Clippers and Thunder. Luka was scoring 27 points a game, but has elevated his game, scoring 5 points more in these Conference Finals. Through these 3 games, Luka has averaged 32 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds. Lukas ability to consistently make All NBA defenders look like pylons in the Conference Finals has been truly impressive. McDaniels, Gobert, or anyone else they throw at him, haven’t been able to slow down Luka at all.

Kyrie on the other hand has also brought his game to another level. Through the first 2 rounds Kyrie was averaging just over 1 point per game in each first quarter. But after being called out by Anthony Edwards, in game 1 he came out and gave Ant 24 in the first half. Kyries ability to set the tone, and then close strong, has really put the pressure on Edwards defensively. Putting this on display as he scored 14 points in the fourth quarter of game 3 to help put the Mavs really put a strangle hold on the series.

We know that this duo is deadly on the offensive side of the ball when they get going. But What’s been even more impressive this series has been Lukas effort on defence. In the regular season, and even in series past, we’ve seen Luka take some possessions off on defence. However, with more health and energy Luka has been an excellent defender, especially compared to what we’re used to seeing from him. With a a break up an ally oop in the clutch in game 1, having 3 steals in the game, and adding 5 more last night, this is potentially the best, 2-way version of Luka Doncic that we have ever seen.

With the Celtics wrapping up a 4-0 sweep of the Indiana Pacers last night, Boston now patiently waits for their NBA Finals opponent to come out of the Western Conference. While Dallas is well in control of this one, and no team has ever completed a comeback from down 3-0, Minnesota has led the game in each of the fourth quarters this series. Will Dallas be able to keep their energy up knowing they’re in control? Or will Minnesota buckle down and extend this series, and their season?  We find out tonight at 8:30.

WILL THERE BE A GAME 5?

• 0%YES- Ant balls out, extends series.
• 0%NO- Luka and Kyrie close out the t wolves.

By: Matteo Ametrano