Wolves Fight Back
The Minnesota Timberwolves, down 0-3 in the Western Conference Finals, fought desperately to avoid a sweep. Star center Karl-Anthony Towns broke out of his shooting slump, hitting three crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter. With Anthony Edwards taking over after Towns fouled out, the Wolves secured a 105-100 victory, staving off elimination by the Dallas Mavericks.
Strong Start from Edwards
Edwards and Towns had underperformed in the first three games, leading to three straight losses for the Timberwolves. In this elimination game, Edwards scored 14 points in the first quarter, helping the Wolves build a 12-point lead early on.
Mavericks’ Comeback
Led by Luka Dončić, the Mavericks mounted a fierce comeback over the next three quarters. They briefly took the lead in the fourth quarter, but Towns, despite foul trouble, nailed three consecutive three-pointers to regain the advantage for the Wolves. Dončić’s three free throws and a miraculous three-pointer kept the game close, but Edwards and Naz Reid’s clutch shots sealed the victory for Minnesota, bringing the series back to their home court.
Towns’ Crucial Performance
Towns fouled out with 1:38 left in the fourth quarter but finished the game with 25 points, including four three-pointers. “We had to play aggressively,” Towns said. “There’s no time to doubt ourselves. Down 0-3 in the series, we have no time left.”
Edwards’ Near Triple-Double
Edwards contributed a near triple-double with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists. Reflecting on his decisive role, he said, “I played very aggressively, especially in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. I didn’t stay in the corner or stand idly by. I kept demanding the ball, and my teammates trusted me.”
Dončić’s Triple-Double
Dončić recorded his sixth triple-double of the playoffs with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. However, he struggled with his shooting, hitting only 7 of 21 attempts. After the game, he said, “This loss is on me. I didn’t bring enough energy.”
Looking Ahead
With this crucial win, the Timberwolves have extended the series and will look to build on this momentum as they head back to their home court. The Mavericks, despite Dončić’s efforts, will need to find a way to close out the series and prevent Minnesota from mounting a full comeback. (Jilikoa)
