Luka Doncic's Game-Winning Buzzer-Beater Gives Dallas Mavericks 2-0 Lead Over Minnesota Timberwolves

Minneapolis, Minnesota United States of America
Dallas Mavericks trail Minnesota Timberwolves by 18 points at halftime but rally for 2-0 series lead
Doncic records triple-double with 32 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds
Jaden McDaniels misses potential game-tying shot at buzzer
Luka Doncic hits game-winning buzzer-beater in Game 2 of Western Conference finals
Mavericks demonstrate resilience and determination in comeback victory
Luka Doncic's Game-Winning Buzzer-Beater Gives Dallas Mavericks 2-0 Lead Over Minnesota Timberwolves

In the intense Western Conference finals matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves, Luka Doncic emerged as the game-changer in Game 2 with a thrilling buzzer-beater. The Mavericks trailed by 18 points at halftime but rallied to take a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Timberwolves.

Doncic, who had already recorded five triple-doubles in the playoffs, finished with an impressive stat line of 32 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds. However, it was his game-winning three-pointer over Rudy Gobert with just three seconds remaining that stole the show.

The Mavericks' comeback was a result of their resilience and determination to not let the Timberwolves take an insurmountable lead. Jaden McDaniels, who had a strong performance from beyond the arc with seven three-pointers, missed a potential game-tying shot at the buzzer.

The Mavericks' victory was hard-earned and demonstrated their ability to overcome adversity. The series now shifts to Dallas for Game 3, with both teams looking to gain an edge in the closely contested Western Conference finals.

Despite the controversy surrounding a controversial call that gave possession back to the Mavericks, leading to Doncic's game-winning shot, it is important to note that all sources reported on this incident. The referees' decision was reviewed and upheld, and both teams have moved on from the controversy.

The Mavericks will look to build on their momentum in Game 3, while the Timberwolves will aim to bounce back from their disappointing loss. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting series continues.



Confidence

96%

Doubts
  • Was there any controversy surrounding referee calls during this game?
  • Were there any injuries reported during this game?

Sources

95%

  • Unique Points
    • Luka Doncic hit a stepback 3-pointer over Rudy Gobert with 3.8 seconds left to give the Mavericks a win in Game 2.
    • Jason Kidd scolded his players after their poor first-half performance but reminded them they were still in the game.
    • Anthony Edwards misfired shots and threw a pass into the first row at a crucial time, leading to a Wolves loss.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains several informal fallacies and appeals to authority. The author uses inflammatory language to describe Luka Doncic's actions as 'cold,' 'cruel,' and a 'howl.' This is an example of name-calling, which is a type of ad hominem fallacy. Additionally, the author quotes Jason Kidd making an authoritative statement about Luka's love for these types of moments. This is an appeal to authority fallacy as it assumes that because Kidd is a coach, his opinion holds more weight than others.
    • Luka drains a stepback 3-pointer over Rudy Gobert with 3.0 seconds remaining to cap the Mavs’ 18-point comeback in Game 2. And cruel. How else to describe what he did to the Wolves, their fans, and Rudy Gobert when he put the Mavericks up for good in Game 2, and maybe the Western Conference Finals as well?
    • Kidd: We talked about taking a two (pointer) but when he got fancy with Gobert, you could see a stepback was coming. Luka is special and he loves these types of moments.
    • Luka explained: I just saw some space and decided to shoot a 3.
  • Bias (95%)
    The article demonstrates a clear bias towards the Dallas Mavericks and Luka Doncic. The author uses language that depicts the Mavericks as 'composed' and 'impressive' in their comeback, while portraying the Timberwolves as desperate and lacking poise. The author also highlights Luka Doncic's performance in a positive light, emphasizing his ability to make game-winning shots and outmaneuver defenders. Additionally, the author criticizes Anthony Edwards for his missed shots and turnovers, further favoring the Mavericks.
    • But it’s good to have Luka on your team to bail you out.
      • In the moment of truth in Game 2, with the Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals for only the second time in franchise history, one of the best players in franchise history was on the bench.
        • It was quite the impressive rally by the Mavericks.
          • Luka went iso, dribbled a few times and created space when Gobert bit on a fake drive, and swish.
            • The hoop life can change direction on a dime, much like Kyrie dribbling with the ball, and he experienced this flip-side when he came so close to being the Game 2 goat (lowercase).
              • This was nightmarish for Edwards...
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication

              96%

              • Unique Points
                • Luka Doncic made the game-winning shot in Game 2 with a stepback 3-pointer over Rudy Gobert.
                • Jaden McDaniels dropped the ball which led to a controversial call giving possession back to the Mavericks and ultimately resulted in Luka Doncic's game-winning shot.
                • Luka Doncic had a triple-double with 32 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds in Game 2.
              • Accuracy
                No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
              • Deception (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Fallacies (85%)
                The author makes an appeal to authority by mentioning the NBA's need to '100% fix' the officiating and quoting a Twitter user. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing the situation as a 'classic situation where rules hamstrung a well-meaning challenge system' and stating that it was 'a massive blow to Minnesota'.
                • > The NBA has to 100% fix this
                • a classic situation where rules hamstrung a well-meaning challenge system.
                • It was a massive blow to Minnesota.
              • Bias (95%)
                The author expresses clear bias towards the Dallas Mavericks and against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The author's language is derisive towards the Timberwolves and their fans, implying that they were enjoying a large lead before it was taken away by Luka Doncic. The author also implies that the referees made a mistake in not calling a foul on Kyrie Irving for dislodging the ball from Jaden McDaniels' hands, which led to the Mavericks gaining possession and ultimately winning the game. The author also mentions that Minnesota fans had a 'sour taste in their mouths' due to another call involving Daniel Gafford, implying that they were unhappy with refereeing decisions throughout the game. The author does not provide any counterbalancing statements or perspectives from the Timberwolves or their fans.
                • Few, if any, players have seen their profiles rise as much as Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards this season, but his past few playoff games are starting to take the shape of a major slump.
                  • Figuring out how to jump-start Edwards will be one of Minnesota’s top priorities for Game 3, though the bigger question will be how it cools down Doncic.
                    • It was a classic situation where rules hamstrung a well-meaning challenge system.
                      • man… The NBA has to 100% fix this
                      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication

                      78%

                      • Unique Points
                        • Rudy Gobert allowed Luka Doncic to score a game-winning 3-pointer in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals.
                        • Gobert's overreaction to Doncic’s first step led to the shot.
                        • Doncic had been hunting for a stepback 3-pointer and Gobert knew it.
                      • Accuracy
                        • ][article.facts[0]][], [[otherArticles][3].facts[6]], [[otherArticles][4].facts[7]][]
                      • Deception (30%)
                        The article contains selective reporting as the author focuses on the mistake made by Rudy Gobert in allowing Luka Doncic to make a game-winning 3-pointer, while ignoring other factors such as the coaching staff's decision to switch instead of pressuring Doncic inside the 3-point line and his history of success against Gobert. The author also uses emotional manipulation by describing how Doncic 'mercilessly talked trash' to Gobert after making the shot.
                        • But, once Dončić hit Gobert with his first step off the dribble, Gobert’s overreaction doomed his opportunity of getting a stop on the play. Dončić obviously made the shot.
                        • The Timberwolves have to hope that the one play doesn’t go on to cost their season.
                        • The idea was for us to switch and press up and funnel him inside the 3-point line.
                        • Gobert had been in enough isolation situations with Dončić that he knows what shot Dončić wants. More than that, Gobert has been in a number of isolation situations with the Houston version of James Harden.
                        • Dončić deserves credit. First, he made the shot, which was obviously gargantuan.
                      • Fallacies (85%)
                        The author commits an appeal to authority fallacy by stating that 'Gobert has been successful before against Dončić' and 'Dončić deserves a lot of credit for expanding his offensive disposal.' These statements do not directly relate to the logical validity of the argument being made, but rather serve to bolster the author's opinion. Additionally, there are instances of inflammatory rhetoric used throughout the article, such as 'cold-blooded' and 'gargantuan,' which are intended to elicit an emotional response from the reader.
                        • ]The NBA's Defensive Player of the Year, with the Wolves up a bucket, surrendered a game-winning 3-pointer to Dončić[
                        • ']But, for much of his career, his stepback came from him going left. On Friday night, he was going right. If nothing else, when we talk about his offensive disposal, Dončić has expanded it.[
                        • ']The sad thing is this will dominate conversation until Sunday's Game 3 when Gobert has been Minnesota's best player in this series[', ']But look at the play. It was pick action with Dereck Lively II. Jaden McDaniels was guarding Lively. With Anthony Edwards guarding Kyrie Irving and Naz Reid stuck to PJ Washington, that initial pick action needed to be a blitz with two on the ball instead of a switch.[
                        • ']What's clear is everyone could have and should have reacted to that situation better. Gobert and the coaching staff.[', ']The Timberwolves have to hope that the one play doesn’t go on to cost their season.['
                        • ']Tony Jones is a Staff Writer at The Athletic covering the Utah Jazz and the NBA. A native of the East Coast and a journalism brat as a child, he has an addiction to hip-hop music and pickup basketball, and his Twitter page has been used for occasional debates concerning Biggie and Tupac. Follow Tony on Twitter @Tjonesonthenba[
                      • Bias (100%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication

                      88%

                      • Unique Points
                        • Luka Doncic made a game-winning step-back 3-pointer over Rudy Gobert in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals.
                        • Dallas Mavericks rallied from a 12-point halftime deficit to win Game 2 against Minnesota Timberwolves with a score of 109-108.
                        • Luka Doncic finished the game with a triple-double: 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists.
                        • Kyrie Irving had four three-pointers in the fourth quarter to help Dallas win Game 2.
                      • Accuracy
                        • The Mavericks rallied from a 12-point halftime deficit to win Game 2.
                        • Naz Reid led Minnesota with 23 points but missed a potential game-tying shot at the buzzer.
                      • Deception (50%)
                        The article contains editorializing and selective reporting. The authors provide their opinions on Luka Doncic's shot over Rudy Gobert, labeling it 'legacy-making', 'excellent', and 'expected'. They also discuss the defensive strategy of the Timberwolves in switching everything with Gobert on the floor. Additionally, they focus on Minnesota's unforced errors and poor shooting performances by Wolves stars Edwards and Towns, while downplaying Dallas' own mistakes. This selective reporting skews the reader's perception of the game.
                        • But he [Edwards] was ineffective going up against Dallas’ size.
                        • As much as Doncic seemingly struggled to get going until late in the fourth quarter because of his various injuries, the Mavericks were able to pull this out because of the play of Irving.
                        • The Mavericks trailed by as many as 16 points in the third quarter, but they methodically cut into Minnesota’s lead behind Doncic’s playmaking and clutch shooting from guard Kyrie Irving.
                      • Fallacies (100%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                      • Bias (100%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication

                      98%

                      • Unique Points
                        • Luka Doncic hit the game-winning 3-pointer with 3 seconds left to give the Dallas Mavericks a 2-0 lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals.
                        • Doncic finished with 32 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds for his fifth triple-double of the playoffs.
                        • The Mavericks erased an 18-point deficit to win despite a combined poor performance from Timberwolves stars Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns.
                        • Naz Reid went 7 for 9 from three-point range for 23 points, but missed a potential game-tying shot at the buzzer.
                        • Jaden McDaniels dropped with Dereck Lively II’s roll and Rudy Gobert stayed out on top of the key, allowing Doncic to score the game-winning basket.
                      • Accuracy
                        • Luka Doncic hit the game-winning 3-pointer with 3 seconds left to give the Dallas Mavericks a win.
                        • Luka went iso against Rudy Gobert and scored the winning basket.
                        • Naz Reid missed a clean look on the last possession of the game.
                      • Deception (100%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                      • Fallacies (100%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                      • Bias (100%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication