The Minnesota Timberwolves kept their playoff hopes alive with a dramatic 105-100 win over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. The win on Tuesday night at the American Airlines Center forces a Game 5 back in Minneapolis and avoids a sweep.
Towns Lead the Charge
Karl-Anthony Towns was instrumental in the Timberwolves’ victory. Despite a slow start, Towns came alive in the second half, scoring 25 points and securing five rebounds. He shot an impressive 9-of-13 from the field, including 4-of-5 from three-point range. Towns’ crucial back-to-back three-pointers in the fourth quarter sparked an 11-2 run that ultimately sealed the win for Minnesota.
Karl-Anthony Towns Tonight:
🔥25 Points
🔥5 Rebounds
🔥9/13 FG
🔥4/5 3PT FG1500 SHOTS A DAY #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/VOtjqoHJYZ
— Locker (@LockerDFS) May 29, 2024
The Timberwolves jumped out to an early lead, dominating the first quarter and limiting the Mavericks’ scoring opportunities. However, Dallas clawed their way back into the game by halftime, tying the score at 47-47. The Mavericks capitalized on turnovers, scoring 20 points off Minnesota’s miscues in the first half.
Mavericks’ Resilience
Luka Dončić, despite shooting 7-of-21 from the field, recorded a triple-double with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. His performance kept the Mavericks competitive throughout the game. Dončić’s four-point play in the final seconds gave Dallas a glimmer of hope, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Timberwolves’ lead.
Anthony Edwards was another key player for Minnesota, nearly achieving a triple-double with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. His late-game scoring and composure helped the Timberwolves fend off a late surge by the Mavericks.
Anthony Edwards drops a near-triple-double as the @Timberwolves force Game 5 in the Western Conference Finals!
Karl-Anthony Towns: 25 PTS (9-13 FGM), 5 REB, 4 3PM
Mike Conley: 14 PTS, 7 AST, 4 STL
Luka Doncic: 28 PTS, 15 REB, 10 ASTGame 5: Thursday (5/30), 8:30pm/et, TNT pic.twitter.com/JFsaG1xWHM
— NBA (@NBA) May 29, 2024
Key Moments and Foul Trouble
Towns’ fifth foul in the third quarter and a technical foul on coach Chris Finch could have derailed the Timberwolves. However, they maintained their lead and entered the fourth quarter up by five points. Towns’ sixth foul with just minutes remaining seemed to give the Mavericks a chance, but Minnesota’s defense and clutch scoring from Edwards secured the win.
The Timberwolves will return to Minneapolis for Game 5, trailing the Mavericks 3-1 in the series. While history is against them—no NBA team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in the playoffs—Minnesota’s resilience and determination were evident in Game 4.
The Timberwolves’ win not only extended their postseason but also set up a critical Game 5 with the Mavericks. With Towns and Edwards leading the way, Minnesota aims to continue its momentum and challenge the Mavericks, who are one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance in 13 years. Game 5 will be a pivotal moment for both teams, as the Timberwolves strive to make history and the Mavericks look to close out the series.
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