However, Charles Barkley has now backtracked on his initial prediction. After the Minnesota Timberwolves’ emotional Game 7 victory over the defending champion Denver Nuggets in the second round of the playoffs,. The NBA on TNT crew, including legend Charles Barkley, picked Minnesota to defeat the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals.
A Change of Heart
As part of a recent interview on Sirius XM NBA Radio’s The Starting Lineup, Barkley was allowed to clarify his position. Cassell called the Timberwolves ‘soft,’ and Barkley said watching the team for three hours of film in preparation for the Western Conference Finals just shows that it is a bad matchup for them. “The Mavericks and the Celtics will fight for the championship round [my choice]. ”
Regular Season vs. Playoff Reality
Even though the Timberwolves defeated the Mavericks three times in four regular-season contests, affairs are not quite the same now. The two teams have only played each other once since the trade deadline, and at one point, the Mavericks were without several of their main contributors against Minnesota. Luka Doncic sat out at some matches, and Kyrie Irving did too, while P. J. Washington and Daniel Gafford were not a part of a team yet at that time.
Mavericks’ Post-Trade Deadline Surge
After the trade deadline controversy, the Mavericks have been one of the most torrid teams in the league. The previous season was even more successful for Dallas, as they are one of two teams that have registered more victories than the Boston Celtics this season. This surge has set expectations high, and Dallas is no easy meat despite Minnesota’s strong showing during the regular season and a number-one-ranked defense.
Looking Ahead
Indeed, as the series progresses people, fans, and experts will keep their eyes on the Mavericks and Timberwolves. The New Mavericks, now with Doncic, Irving, and Washington together with a new addition in Gafford, is a different energy from the previous games the Timberwolves had in the season.
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