After pulling the chestnut out of the fire in Game 4 in Dallas, the Minnesota Timberwolves have the momentum and the backing of the bookmakers in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals against the Dallas Mavericks. With their backs against the wall and potentially facing a series wipeout, the Wolves fought a thrilling 105-100 victory on the road with an all-around excellent play by the entire cast, led by Karl-Anthony Towns. The Mavericks still hold the series lead (3-1), but the Wolves now face the daunting task of becoming the first team in NBA history to overcome a 3-0 deficit in the Conference Finals. They continue the uphill task on their home court in Game 5 with momentum, confidence, and the crowd behind them.
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Basketball: NBA Playoffs, Western Conference Finals Game 5
Where to Watch: TNT
Venue: Target Center, Mn
Date: 30.05.2024. 03:30
Minnesota Timberwolves
Facing elimination, the Minnesota Timberwolves finally found their rhythm on offense. Karl-Anthony Towns, who had struggled throughout the series, exploded for a season-saving performance. In a surprise shooting performance, Towns scored 25 points, including four crucial three-pointers, as the game wound down. Anthony Edwards tallied 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists. Mike Conley and Kyle Anderson also chipped in with valuable contributions. Conley recorded 14 points, 7 assists, and 4 steals, while Anderson added 4 points and assists with 3 steals in 25 minutes of playtime. Making their second appearance in the conference finals in 20 years, the Timberwolves shot a blistering 58% in the second half as the game went back and forth and both teams exchanged leads. Towns, who seemed to want another game, by all means, shot 9-for-13 from the field and 4-for-5 on 3-pointers with 10 points in the fourth to drag his team over the line and take the series back to Minneapolis.
KAT's a great player. His struggles were not going to last forever. He got himself going. Even when he got deep in foul trouble, we left him out there. Just let him roll, and he played smart, played under control, rebounded really well for us, and executed defensively. Really proud of him. Tonight was a great step for him.
Dallas Mavericks
After stellar performances so far in the series, the star duo of the Dallas Mavericks saw a dip in their performances. Luka Dončić, despite recording his sixth triple-double of the playoffs with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, struggled with his shooting efficiency. Kyrie Irving, ever so handy with clutch performances in close games, went missing in action with a surprising 13-of-39 from the field. The absence of rookie center Dereck Lively II, who was sidelined due to a head injury, also enabled the Wolves' offense to run amok. While many of the Mavs players and coaching staff were willing to give the Wolves their flowers, Luka Dončić tried to take the blame for the defeat.
Give Minnesota credit. They fought, and they found a way to extend the series, and now it goes back to Minnesota.
Betting Odds
The Dallas Mavericks are huge 2.55 underdogs on Betway, which prices the Minnesota Timberwolves on the spread (-2.5) at 1.62. Over 210 is 1.98 on 1XBET, with the under at 1.825. Karl-Anthony Towns is priced at 1.74 to point over 19.5, while Luka Dončić is 1.90 odds to score over 30.5 points. Read more.
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