Towns, Edwards Lift Wolves over Mavs 105-100, Force Game 5

In a crucial showdown, the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a vital 105-100 triumph over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night, preventing a series sweep in the Western Conference finals.

Karl-Anthony Towns showcased a dominant performance, contributing 25 points, with 20 of those coming in the second half, propelling the Timberwolves to their first win of the series. Anthony Edwards emerged as a significant force, tallying 29 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.

The victory marks a pivotal moment for the Timberwolves, marking their first appearance in the conference finals in two decades and only the second in the franchise’s 35-year history.

With the series now standing at 3-1 in favor of the Mavericks, the third-seeded Minnesota squad will return home for Game 5, aiming to further extend the series against the fifth-seeded Dallas team.

Despite a formidable effort from Mavericks’ star Luka Doncic, who recorded his sixth triple-double of the playoffs with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, the Timberwolves managed to hold off their opponents. Doncic, along with teammate Kyrie Irving, struggled with their shooting, going 13 of 39 from the field.

Throughout the series, the Timberwolves have consistently held leads in the final moments of the fourth quarter, demonstrating resilience and determination in their quest to stay competitive.

Towns’ pivotal three-pointers in the closing minutes, coupled with Edwards’ clutch plays, ensured the Timberwolves’ victory. Despite encountering foul trouble, Towns showcased his scoring prowess, finishing with a 9-of-13 shooting performance, including four three-pointers.

The win not only salvages the Timberwolves from the brink of elimination but also prevents them from becoming the 16th team out of 21 to suffer a sweep after losing the first three games of a series at home.

Looking ahead, the Timberwolves aim to become only the fourth team to force a series to at least six games, showcasing their determination to extend their playoff run.

Additional contributors to the Timberwolves’ victory included Mike Conley, who scored 14 points, and Rudy Gobert, who posted a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Jaden Hardy provided a significant spark off the bench, contributing 13 points, including crucial baskets in the fourth quarter.

The Timberwolves’ resilience and tenacity have set the stage for an intense Game 5 as they seek to continue their playoff journey against the Mavericks.