MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota – The Dallas Mavericks secured their spot in the NBA Finals with a decisive 124-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night at the Target Center. Luka Doncic led the charge with 36 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.
The Mavericks wrapped up the Western Conference finals in five games, setting up a showdown with the Boston Celtics for the NBA championship. The Finals are set to begin on June 6 in Boston. This marks Dallas’ first NBA Finals appearance since their 2011 championship run led by Dirk Nowitzki.
Kyrie Irving also shone for the Mavericks, scoring 36 points on 14-for-27 shooting. P.J. Washington added 12 points and seven rebounds to the effort.
Minnesota was led by Karl-Anthony Towns, who scored 28 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, and Anthony Edwards, who also finished with 28 points. The Timberwolves’ impressive season, which saw them win 56 games and reach the conference finals for the first time since 2004, came to a close.
Doncic set the tone early, scoring 20 points in the first quarter and helping Dallas build a commanding lead with a 17-1 run to end the period, giving them a 35-19 advantage. His back-to-back three-pointers and a step-back jump shot highlighted the run.
The Mavericks continued their dominance in the second quarter, outscoring the Timberwolves 34-21 and extending their lead to 69-40 by halftime.
Despite Towns’ efforts to rally Minnesota in the third quarter, Dallas maintained a comfortable lead, ending the period up 97-73. Doncic capped the scoring in the third with a pull-up jumper, ensuring the Timberwolves never threatened in the final quarter.
Irving’s step-back three-pointer midway through the fourth quarter stretched Dallas’ lead to 108-80, sealing the win. With the game in hand, Doncic watched from the bench, smiling and draped in a towel as his teammates played out the final minutes.
The Mavericks will now focus on preparing for the Celtics, aiming to capture their second NBA title in franchise history.