MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves staved off elimination with a 105-100 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals on Tuesday night, preventing a sweep and forcing a Game 5 back in Minneapolis.
After a challenging start to the series, the Timberwolves found their footing, largely thanks to a stellar second-half performance from Karl-Anthony Towns. Towns, who struggled in the earlier games, scored 25 points and grabbed five rebounds while shooting 9-of-13 from the field, including 4-of-5 from beyond the arc.
The Timberwolves jumped out to an early lead, capitalizing on a sluggish start from the Mavericks, who managed just 6-of-21 shooting in the first quarter. Despite a strong solo effort from Luka Dončić, Dallas struggled to keep pace, trailing by as many as 14 points in the opening period.
The Mavericks, however, rallied before halftime. Capitalizing on Minnesota’s turnovers, they closed the gap and entered the locker room tied at 47. Dončić, who recorded a triple-double with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, led the charge but faced difficulties, shooting just 7-of-21 from the field.
Minnesota regained control in the third quarter, sparked by an 8-0 run that included a three-pointer from Towns. However, Towns’ momentum was interrupted when he picked up his fifth foul, leading to a technical foul on coach Chris Finch. Despite his absence, the Timberwolves maintained a five-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
In the final quarter, the Mavericks quickly closed the gap, narrowing the deficit to a single possession. A spectacular and-one dunk by Derrick Jones Jr. over Rudy Gobert brought Dallas within striking distance. Yet, the Timberwolves pulled away midway through the period with back-to-back three-pointers from Towns, who eventually fouled out.
Even without Towns, Minnesota managed to hold on. Anthony Edwards, nearly achieving a triple-double with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists, made a crucial basket to keep the Mavericks at bay. A late three-point attempt by Dončić fell short, sealing the Timberwolves’ victory.
Kyrie Irving contributed 16 points and four assists for the Mavericks but struggled from deep, hitting just one of six attempts. Maxi Kleber returned to action after a shoulder injury, playing 13 minutes off the bench, while Dereck Lively remained sidelined with a neck injury.
The Mavericks, leading the series 3-1, are still one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance in 13 years. The Timberwolves, who have never reached the Finals, face the daunting task of winning three consecutive games to make history as the first NBA team to overcome a 3-0 series deficit.
Game 5 is scheduled for Thursday night in Minneapolis, where the Timberwolves will look to continue their improbable comeback and keep their championship hopes alive.
