The 2024 Western Conference Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves concluded with the Mavericks winning the series 4-1, advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011. This series showcased standout performances from key players on both teams, with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving leading the Mavericks, and Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns anchoring the Timberwolves.
Game-by-Game Player Statistics
Game 1: Mavericks 108, Timberwolves 105 (May 22, 2024)
- Dallas Mavericks:
- Luka Dončić: Tallied 33 points, pulled down 6 rebounds, handed out 8 assists, and recorded 3 steals.
- Kyrie Irving: 30 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists.
- Dereck Lively II: 9 points, 11 rebounds.
- Daniel Gafford: 10 points, 9 rebounds.
- Minnesota Timberwolves:
- Jaden McDaniels: 24 points (6-of-9 from three-point range).
- Anthony Edwards: 19 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists.
- Karl-Anthony Towns: 16 points, 7 rebounds.
The Mavericks overcame a halftime deficit, with Dončić scoring 15 points in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
Game 2: Mavericks 109, Timberwolves 108 (May 24, 2024)
- Dallas Mavericks:
- Luka Dončić: Posted 32 points, grabbed 10 boards, and dished out 13 assists in a well-rounded effort.
- Kyrie Irving: 20 points.
- Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II: Combined 30 points on 14-of-16 shooting.
- Minnesota Timberwolves:
- Rudy Gobert: Double-double performance.
- Mike Conley: 18 points.
- Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns: Combined 9-of-33 shooting.
Dončić hit a game-winning three-pointer with 3.0 seconds left, giving the Mavericks a 2-0 series lead.
Game 3: Mavericks 116, Timberwolves 107 (May 26, 2024)
- Dallas Mavericks:
- Luka Dončić: 33 points, 5 steals.
- Kyrie Irving: 33 points.
- P.J. Washington: 16 points, 8 rebounds.
- Minnesota Timberwolves:
- Anthony Edwards: Finished with 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists in a near triple-double performance.
- Mike Conley: 16 points.
- Jaden McDaniels: 15 points.
- Karl-Anthony Towns: 0-of-8 from three-point range.
Dončić and Irving combined for a decisive 14–3 run to close the game, giving Dallas a commanding 3-0 series lead.
Game 4: Timberwolves 105, Mavericks 100 (May 28, 2024)
- Dallas Mavericks:
- Luka Dončić: 28 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists.
- Kyrie Irving: 13 points.
- Daniel Gafford: 6-of-6 shooting, 3 blocks.
- Minnesota Timberwolves:
- Anthony Edwards: 29 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists.
- Karl-Anthony Towns: 25 points, 4-of-5 from three-point range.
- Rudy Gobert: Double-double performance.
- Mike Conley: 14 points, 4 steals.
The Timberwolves avoided a sweep with strong second-half performances from Edwards and Towns.
Game 5: Mavericks 124, Timberwolves 103 (May 30, 2024)
- Dallas Mavericks:
- Luka Dončić: 36 points (20 in the first quarter), 10 rebounds, 5 assists.
- Kyrie Irving: 36 points.
- Daniel Gafford: 11 points, 9 rebounds.
- Dereck Lively II: 9 points, 8 rebounds.
- Minnesota Timberwolves:
- Anthony Edwards: 28 points.
- Karl-Anthony Towns: 28 points, 12 rebounds.
- Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley, Jaden McDaniels: Combined 24 points.
The Mavericks built a 29-point halftime lead and maintained control throughout, clinching the series and advancing to the NBA Finals.
Series Overview
- Dallas Mavericks:
- Luka Dončić: Maintained averages of 32.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game throughout the series.
- Kyrie Irving: Consistently provided scoring support, including a 36-point performance in Game 5.
- Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II: Provided interior presence and efficient scoring.WikipediaLand of Basketball+7ESPN.com+7AS USA+7Land of Basketball+11ESPN.com+11San Francisco Chronicle+11
- Minnesota Timberwolves:
- Anthony Edwards: Led the team in scoring, with notable performances in Games 4 and 5.
- Karl-Anthony Towns: Struggled early in the series but contributed significantly in the final games.
- Supporting Cast: Inconsistent contributions from role players impacted the team’s overall performance.
Rotational Consistency and Coaching Decisions
One of the defining elements of the series was the rotational consistency established by Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd. The Mavericks maintained a reliable core unit, with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving logging heavy minutes while big men Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II alternated depending on matchups. Kidd also utilized Josh Green and Derrick Jones Jr. strategically to add defensive pressure on the Timberwolves’ perimeter threats. In contrast, the Timberwolves made several in-series adjustments, particularly in Games 3 and 4, where Chris Finch shortened the rotation and leaned more heavily on veteran guard Mike Conley for ball distribution under pressure.
Bench Production and Depth Comparison
Dallas showcased a more productive bench over the course of the series, especially in Games 2 and 3. Players like Josh Green and Maxi Kleber contributed with timely defense and floor spacing, even if not always reflected in the box score. Meanwhile, Minnesota struggled to find consistent bench production outside of occasional scoring bursts from Naz Reid and Kyle Anderson. This disparity in second-unit contributions played a role in Dallas maintaining offensive rhythm during starter rest periods and was particularly evident in the fourth quarters of close games.
Three-Point Efficiency and Shot Selection Trends
A closer look at shot selection and shooting percentages reveals Dallas’s edge in three-point accuracy and in-game shot decision-making. The Mavericks frequently generated open looks via drive-and-kick sequences, particularly orchestrated by Dončić. Their ability to convert these chances, especially from the wings and corners, created separation in pivotal moments. The Timberwolves, by contrast, were more reliant on contested perimeter shots, particularly from Karl-Anthony Towns, whose three-point shooting was streaky throughout the series. In Game 3, Towns went 0-for-8 from beyond the arc, a performance that limited Minnesota’s ability to mount a comeback despite Edwards’ strong showing.
Defensive Adjustments and Turnover Impact
Defensively, Dallas employed a switch-heavy approach to contain Minnesota’s pick-and-roll actions, particularly aimed at slowing down Anthony Edwards’ drives. Dereck Lively II was instrumental in drop coverage situations, deterring shots at the rim without fouling. Minnesota, in contrast, struggled to contain Dončić without committing fouls or breaking defensive shape. Turnovers also tilted the balance in Dallas’s favor—Minnesota averaged nearly 14 turnovers per game during the series, several of which led directly to fast-break points for the Mavericks. These transition plays often disrupted Minnesota’s defensive recovery and led to high-percentage baskets.
Final Evaluation of Star Performances
Throughout the series, Luka Dončić not only delivered statistically but controlled the game’s tempo. His usage rate remained among the highest in the league, and he consistently read the Timberwolves’ defensive schemes with precision. Irving’s off-ball movement and clutch scoring in critical possessions made him a valuable co-anchor. On the other side, Anthony Edwards displayed flashes of elite two-way potential but lacked consistent support from the frontcourt in Games 1 to 3. Karl-Anthony Towns, though impactful in the final two games, was unable to sustain that level across the series.
Conclusion
The Dallas Mavericks’ series win over the Minnesota Timberwolves was driven by consistent star performances, efficient role-player support, and disciplined team defense. Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving led the charge, while Dallas capitalized on Minnesota’s inconsistent shooting and turnovers. Despite efforts from Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Timberwolves couldn’t maintain momentum. Overall, the Mavericks’ cohesive execution across five games proved decisive in advancing to the NBA Finals with authority.
