Mavericks' Doncic Stuns Wolves Fans with Clutch Three-Pointer, Echoing West Finals Moment
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MINNEAPOLIS — After hitting a stunning 32-foot step-back three-pointer, Luka Doncic turned to the crowd at Target Center, shouting a blunt reminder: "That's what I f---ing do." This clutch shot, which came with just over a minute left, helped the Dallas Mavericks secure a 120-114 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.This moment felt all too familiar, echoing Doncic's pivotal performances during last season's Western Conference Finals when he led the Mavs to a 5-0 series win over the Timberwolves. "We've seen this movie before," said Mavs coach Jason Kidd. "He loves the opportunity to win the game. He's not scared, and he stepped up and made a big shot."
The significance of Doncic’s latest performance was heightened by memories of his Game 2 heroics last spring, where he famously nailed a game-winning step-back three-pointer over Rudy Gobert. After that shot, he trash-talked Gobert, boasting about his ability to score against him, though he later joked he was speaking Slovenian.
On this occasion, Doncic hit the critical shot over Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, taking a moment to respond to the crowd that had been vocal throughout the game. "I heard a lot of stuff. They really like me here," he quipped after finishing with 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists. "Last year was fun. It was a big moment in my career, so it was fun to be back here."
According to ESPN Research, during the West Finals, Dallas made history as the first team since 1997-98 to take a 3-0 series lead while trailing in the final five minutes of each game. They reminded the Timberwolves of their closing ability in this season's first matchup.
As he did in the playoffs, Kyrie Irving was instrumental alongside Doncic in the game's final minutes. The Timberwolves, though they never led in the final stretch, managed to narrow an 11-point deficit to a single possession four times in the last four minutes. Each time, the Mavs responded effectively, with critical baskets from both Doncic and Irving.
"It's just winning time," Irving said after scoring 25 of his team-high 35 points in the second half. "We needed to create some separation to keep that confidence, and it worked out well for us. But we know Minnesota will adjust when we play them again."
Like last season's playoffs, Doncic battled through a sore right knee. He left the game with 70 seconds remaining in the second quarter after being accidentally hit by Jaden McDaniels, but returned for the second half with his knee wrapped. He tested it out during halftime and found his rhythm in the fourth quarter, leading all scorers with 11 points.
Despite a slow start to the season and a 36.4% shooting percentage, Doncic hit the crucial shot after missing his first seven attempts from beyond the arc. "I don’t know how I can make those shots and not normal shots," he reflected. "At the end of the day, I just need to shake off the rust. I didn’t play all preseason, so I need some time. But we got the win—that's all that matters."