Karl-Anthony Towns Shines as Timberwolves Avoid Sweep Against Mavericks

The Minnesota Timberwolves have avoided a sweep in the Western Conference finals, securing a 105-100 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night. This win forces a Game 5, giving Minnesota a glimmer of hope in the series, now trailing 3-1.

Karl-Anthony Towns’ Heroics

Karl-Anthony Towns was instrumental in the Timberwolves’ win, particularly in the second half. After scoring just five points in the first half, Towns exploded in the second, finishing with 25 points and five rebounds. He shot an impressive 9-of-13 from the field, including 4-of-5 from beyond the arc.

Karl-Anthony Towns Tonight:

🔥25 Points
🔥5 Rebounds
🔥9/13 FG
🔥4/5 3PT FG

1500 SHOTS A DAY #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/VOtjqoHJYZ

— Locker (@LockerDFS) May 29, 2024

Minnesota started strong, outscoring Dallas 27-20 in the first quarter. They maintained their lead despite a second-quarter comeback from the Mavericks, who tied the game 47-47 at halftime. The Timberwolves capitalized on Dallas’ turnovers, scoring 20 points off them in the first half.

Timberwolves’ Critical Fourth Quarter

The fourth quarter saw the Timberwolves pull ahead, thanks in part to Towns’ back-to-back three-pointers, which sparked an 11-2 run. Despite Towns fouling out late in the game, Minnesota held their ground. Anthony Edwards contributed significantly, nearly achieving a triple-double with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. Edwards’ clutch performance included a key basket to stave off a late Mavericks surge.

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 AST

Game 5: Thursday (5/30), 8:30pm/et, TNT pic.twitter.com/JFsaG1xWHM

— NBA (@NBA) May 29, 2024

Mavericks’ Effort

Luka Dončić delivered another triple-double with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. However, his shooting struggles persisted, hitting just 7-of-21 from the field. Kyrie Irving added 16 points but was ineffective from three-point range, going 1-of-6. The Mavericks were also hampered by the absence of Dereck Lively, who is sidelined with a neck injury.

Game 5 is scheduled for Thursday night in Minneapolis. While the Mavericks are just one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance in 13 years, the Timberwolves are fighting to make history by becoming the first team to come back from a 3-0 series deficit. This victory marks a crucial step in that challenging journey.

The Timberwolves’ performance in Game 4 demonstrates their resilience and determination. As they head back to Minneapolis, they aim to build on this momentum and extend the series further.

Stay tuned as the Timberwolves and Mavericks continue their battle in what promises to be an intense Game 5.