Aces tend to shine in big moments. Dallas Mavericks ace Luka Doncic once again made his presence felt with a key performance in the closing moments of the game.

Dallas defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 109-108, one point, in Game 2 of the best-of-seven 2023-2024 National Basketball Association (NBA) Western Conference Finals on Friday at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.

After sweeping Games 1 and 2 on the road, the Mavs are in good shape for Games 3 and 4 at home. Game 3 will be played at the American Airlines Center, 온라인카지노 home of the Mavs, on Feb. 27.

Dallas, which won Game 1 108-105 behind Doncic’s 15-point fourth-quarter performance, was stymied by Minnesota’s stifling defense and trailed 48-60 at halftime.

But in the third quarter, Dallas mounted a massive comeback. Doncic led the way. Doncic poured in 11 points in the third quarter alone to cut the deficit to seven points, 79-86, to end the quarter.

The fourth quarter belonged to Kyrie Irving, who poured in 14 points, including four 3-pointers, and three assists. But Minnesota, not willing to lose a second straight game at home, fought back, and with 1:29 left in regulation, Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards hit two free throws to pull Dallas within 103-108.

Irving then hit a three-pointer to pull within two, 106-108, and Dallas had a chance to tie the game when Doncic missed a three-pointer with 32.1 seconds left. But on Minnesota’s very next possession, Edwards committed a costly turnover and Dallas regained possession, and Doncic’s turnaround 3-pointer with three seconds left in regulation rattled off the rim to give the Mavs the lead for good. Minnesota hung its head in shame as Nazr Reed’s 3-pointer rimmed out on its final possession after overtime.

Doncic finished the night with a triple-double of 32 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds. It was Doncic’s eighth triple-double of the playoffs. He was backed by Irving, who exploded in the fourth quarter for 20 points. Minnesota was led by Edwards’ 21 points and Rudy Gobert’s 16-point, 10-rebound double-double, but it wasn’t enough.