SUMMARY
- Luka Doncic erupted for 33 points during Game 1 against the Timberwolves to take a 1-0 lead.
- Doncic doesn't want the Mavericks to be counted out by fans or other teams.
Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks were not seen as the favorites to win Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals series versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 2022 WCF runner-ups have dealt with some serious adversity throughout the playoffs. It was extremely concerning especially when Doncic went into an awkward offensive slump.
However, Game 1 was mostly under Minnesota’s control until the second half (especially during the final quarter), when the Mavericks began making more shots to close the distance. Doncic went on a roll and made multiple baskets to take the lead and win by three points eventually.
Following the game, Doncic stated he didn’t want the Mavericks to be counted out. He said, “We had to work really hard to feel this one. I think we’re known for Game 1. Then we lose. So we’re trying to make a point here. But that’s only one, we got three more to go.” Considering how dominant the Wolves have been throughout the post-season, the Mavericks surprised the masses with a Game 1 victory.
Luka Doncic also believes Jaden McDaniels might be a major threat
If there is one individual who’s helped the Timberwolves immensely in the playoffs, it’s Jaden McDaniels. The fourth-year forward has been their biggest asset on both ends of the floor averaging 12.4 points while shooting 50.5% from the field and 34.4% from deep. He also averages 1.2 steals and a block per piece as well. McDaniels made the Denver Nuggets’ life a living hell while playing defense against Jamal Murray or Michael Porter Jr. while consistently knocking down huge three-pointers.
1:04 left in the 4th quarter, Mavs up 104-102. Luka breaks up a Rudy Gobert lob that would have tied the game. Then walks down Jaden McDaniels 1 on 1, hits a middie over him to make it a 4 point game with 49 seconds left. Absolutely huge winning plays by Luka Doncic. pic.twitter.com/vEZIjOT9dM
— Jo (@MavsStan41) May 23, 2024
Luka Doncic admitted he needs to be better against McDaniels on defense in hopes of limiting the Timberwolves from scoring. He said, “Jaden McDaniels started hitting threes. You know, we said we’re going to live with contested threes. But I think I have to do a better job at contesting those because he was a big problem in this game.” The Wolves forward finished with a team-high 24 points along with 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal.
Luka Doncic has no complaints about Kyrie Irving’s Game 1 performance
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving put on a show during Game 1. They combined for a total of 63 points. Doncic also made history after finishing the night with 33 points. He currently has the highest points average in the conference finals in NBA history. Irving also had one of his most dominant nights in this year’s playoffs, which Doncic did not fail to acknowledge.
He said, “You know without him we would probably be down 20 in the halftime. So, he had us going. So I had to help him in the second half a little bit. So we switched roles a little bit this time.” Doncic barely found a rhythm during the first half while Irving did everything he could to keep the Mavericks’ night alive.