SUMMARY
- The Timberwolves are currently down 0-2 against the Mavericks after Luka Doncic nailed a game-winning shot to close out Game 2.
- Chris Finch took full accountability saying he should've called timeout before the Dallas did.
It is quite odd to see the Minnesota Timberwolves go down 0-2 against the Dallas Mavericks while the entire world believed the opposite would happen. Considering how dominant they’ve been all post-season long, the Timberwolves are now in a tough spot, especially since they lost two home games after playing back-to-back road matchups in the previous series. Either way, Games 1 and 2 were extremely close, and only a few minute changes would’ve had the Wolves up by 2.
Minnesota lost Game 2 after Luka Doncic sank a game-winning three-pointer on a switch against Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert. Putting the DPOY as a secondary defender on Doncic was a slow matchup that the Slovenian took advantage of. Timberwolves Head Coach Chris Finch took the fall for what happened.
“Two turnovers again. [The] ball got static. You know, that’s on me in the sense that I should have called the timeout to get Mike back in the game on that second-to-last possession for us or whatever. So, I’ll take that one, it’s on me,” he said during the press conference. “The idea was to switch up press inside the three-point line,” he added. Ironically, this play worked against Doncic during the Mavericks’ possession just before the game-winner.
Chris Finch doesn’t want Anthony Edwards to show any signs of weakness
Anthony Edwards has certainly not been himself since Game 7 of the Denver Nuggets series and it seems like the fatigue of playing deep in the playoffs is slowly getting to him. The Timberwolves have never made it this far into the season since Edwards’ arrival. Finch claims that he should’ve given Edwards some rest at the start of the final quarter, however, he can’t do it too often especially since it’s the Western Conference Finals.
Chris Finch said they should have maybe given Anthony Edwards a break in the beginning of the 4th, but it’s the Western Conference Finals, he doesn’t see Kyrie shying away from a match-up. #Timberwolves pic.twitter.com/VMTkw2nRWq
— Nadine Babu (@NadineBabu) May 25, 2024
“We can’t look to hide people or try to take breaks. You know, I don’t see Kyrie shying away from a matchup out there. So you know, it’s what you got to do if you want to win,” he said. Edwards finished with 21 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and a block. He’s been averaging only 20.2 points per game over his last five appearances.
Anthony Edwards believes the Timberwolves can bounce back
If there is one thing the Timberwolves always focus on, it’s winning the next game irrespective of their situation in the previous matchup. After the game, Edwards said, “I mean, we were down 3-2. We was up 2-0 and they came and won two at the crib. And then, we won one at their crib. I mean, we’ve been here before. I don’t think anybody in the locker room is panicking, I hope not.”
“We’ve been here before. I don’t think anyone in the locker room is panicking. … We’ll be alright.”
Anthony Edwards reacts following the Game 2 loss. #WolvesBack #NBAPlayoffs #RaisedByWolves pic.twitter.com/aYvmGZyDe3
— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) May 25, 2024
The Mavericks managed to overcome an 18-point deficit that was built during the first half of the game. They seem to be playing well under pressure with Doncic focusing on making his usual tough shots. Defensively, the Timberwolves have certainly a lot more to work on in this series. But the Mavericks have a good chance of winning at least one game in Dallas.