MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA — In a Western Conference Finals blowout, Luka Dončić led the Dallas Mavericks to victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5, securing their spot in the NBA Finals. The Mavericks dominated, winning 124-103 against the Timberwolves. Dončić had an outstanding game, scoring 36 points—his highest this postseason. He set the tone early with a 20-point first quarter performance and was consistent throughout the series, averaging 32.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game. Unsurprisingly, Dončić was named the Western Conference Finals MVP for his exceptional contributions.
Luka Dončić expressed what it means to reach the NBA Finals six years into his career, saying, “Means a lot, man, means a lot. It’s not easy. It was a very hard road, very hard. But we are here, you know, obviously we’re not done. We need four more. But I think today we all deserve to enjoy this win.”
Kyrie Irving also played a crucial role, scoring 36 points alongside Luka. Dallas built a 29-point halftime lead on 61% shooting, deflating the once-energized crowd before most fans even got up for their first snack break.
The Mavericks, seeded fifth in the West, now have a full week to rest before the NBA Finals begin in Boston on June 6—their first appearance since winning the championship in 20111. The Celtics, led by stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, stand in their way. Many consider Dončić and Irving the best backcourt in NBA history, and they aim to prove it by taking down Boston in the Finals.
