Timberwolves Beat Mavericks in Game 4, Avoid Sweep
Five Key Takeaways from Mavericks' 108-105 Victory in Game 1
The Minnesota Timberwolves kept their season alive and avoided a Western Conference finals sweep against the Dallas Mavericks after winning Game 4 by a score of 108-105. If Minnesota wins Game 5, they will become the first team in NBA history to overcome a 3-0 deficit in the Western Conference finals.
1. Newcomers Step Up for Mavs
With most of the Mavericks roster new to the Western Finals, several newcomers stepped up in Game 1. Dorian Finney-Smith led the way with 24 points, while Spencer Dinwiddie added 20 points and Jalen Brunson chipped in 18.
2. Timberwolves Defense Falters
The Timberwolves defense, which had been a strength throughout the playoffs, struggled in Game 1. They allowed the Mavericks to shoot 47.6% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range. Karl-Anthony Towns, the Timberwolves' All-Star center, was held to just 18 points on 7-of-18 shooting.
3. Mavericks Dominate Rebounding
The Mavericks dominated the Timberwolves on the boards, outrebounding them 47-31. Dwight Powell led the way for Dallas with 11 rebounds, while Kristaps Porzingis added 10. The Timberwolves' lack of rebounding allowed the Mavericks to get multiple second-chance opportunities.
4. Anthony Edwards Keeps Timberwolves in Game
Despite the Timberwolves' struggles, Anthony Edwards kept them in the game with a 27-point performance. Edwards scored 15 of his points in the fourth quarter, including a key three-pointer with less than two minutes remaining.
5. Game 5 Looms Large
Game 5 of the Western Conference finals will be played on Tuesday night in Minnesota. The Timberwolves need a win to stay alive, while the Mavericks can close out the series with a victory. The game is sure to be another close and intense battle between two evenly-matched teams.
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