Timberwolves vs. Mavericks: 5 Key Takeaways from Minnesota's Strong Finish in Game 4.
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| Anthony Edwards contributes across the board while Karl-Anthony Towns delivers a 20-point performance in the second half, leading to a pivotal game that shifts the series back to Minnesota. |
nullIn Dallas-
Anthony Edwards encountered Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons sporting a pair of Edwards’ AE1 signature Adidas sneakers in the hallway as he made his way to a postgame interview room. Promising to reciprocate the gesture, Edwards pledged to return with a stylish pair of shoes for Game 6.
“We’ll see,” he teased.
Following a 105-100 triumph over the Mavericks in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, Edwards envisions himself hand-delivering kicks in Dallas this weekend, aiming to secure another victory in Minnesota to force a Game 6. Despite trailing 3-1 in the series, Edwards remains steadfastly optimistic.
“What am I supposed to say?” he pondered. “Am I supposed to say we’re gonna lose Game 5? No, I’m not gonna ever say that.”
Here are five highlights from Game 4:
- Stellar Performances by Edwards and Towns
The anticipation for such a standout performance had been mounting since the series began. Edwards dazzled with a game-leading 29 points and 10 rebounds, narrowly missing out on his first career triple-double by just one assist. Despite struggling with a 28% shooting average in the series' initial three games, Towns ignited with an impressive 25-point display, sinking 9-of-13 shots.
Minnesota boasts a 7-1 record in the playoffs when Towns scores 18 points or more, in stark contrast to a 2-5 record when he falls short of this mark.
“We had a conversation yesterday,” revealed Timberwolves coach Chris Finch. “I simply reminded him that past performances don't dictate future outcomes. Trust your talent. Keep your confidence. The shots will eventually fall. That's how shooting works. We just had to bide our time until luck swung in our favor.”
And swing it did, dramatically.
Adopting a more discerning shot selection, particularly favoring attempts around the rim, Towns opened the game with a solid 2-for-3 and then heated up, converting 7-of-10 shots throughout the third and fourth quarters. His versatile approach, including crucial late 3-pointers, proved pivotal.
In preparing Edwards for Game 4, Finch drew a football analogy, likening him to a swift tailback poised to burst through gaps in the defense and reach the second level.
“Once you breach that second line of defense, then the opposition is at your mercy,” Finch instructed Edwards.
Channeling the aggressive spirit of former Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, the 22-year-old relentlessly attacked
Minnesota deserves credit for limiting the impact of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Anthony Edwards took on the responsibility of guarding Doncic, while defensive ace Jaden McDaniels was tasked with containing Irving.
The Mavericks' dynamic duo struggled, combining for 44 points on 13-for-39 shooting from the field. Doncic managed a triple-double with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, tying Wilt Chamberlain for ninth all-time in postseason triple-doubles. Meanwhile, Irving finished with 16 points on 6-for-18 shooting.
“We're in the NBA, man,” Irving remarked. “No team is going to roll over and give me and Luka open shots. When I assess the quality of our shots, some could have been better. Some were rushed. Some were close but didn't go in.”
Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns outscored Doncic and Irving 54-44. In the first three games of the series, the Dallas duo had averaged 60.3 points compared to 37 for Edwards and Towns.
“Edwards and McDaniels did an excellent job being physical, understanding their tendencies, and avoiding fouls,” noted Minnesota point guard Mike Conley. “Those two were instrumental in our defensive matchup.”
3. Minnesota Executes in Crunch Time
Throughout the series, the Timberwolves had entered the fourth quarter either tied or with a narrow lead. In Game 4, they entered the final period leading 78-73 and finally capitalized on their advantage.
In the first three games, Minnesota's offensive rating dropped significantly in the fourth quarter, from 114.3 overall to a dismal 95.5.
Their scoring output in those final quarters had been consistently lower, with 22, 22, and 20 points respectively. However, in Game 4, they surged ahead with 27 points, led by Karl-Anthony Towns, who scored 10 points and sank 3 of 4 from beyond the arc in the final quarter.
“It all clicked for him,” Edwards remarked. “He exuded confidence, unfazed by any missed shots prior. He played exceptionally well and delivered when it mattered most. He was the driving force behind our victory
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