Irving and Dončić Display Elite Closing Ability in Mavericks' Win Over Timberwolves: 'Those Two Aren’t Afraid of the Moment'
Dončić and Irving showcased their elite clutch abilities, leading the Mavericks to a 120-114 win over the Timberwolves with decisive late-game shots and strong teamwork.
MINNEAPOLIS — When it comes to clutch performances, the Dallas Mavericks know they can rely on Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. Already one of the NBA’s elite closing duos, Dončić and Irving delivered once again in Dallas’s 120-114 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.
In a tight fourth quarter, the Mavericks’ dynamic backcourt took over. First, Irving drained a three-pointer against Julius Randle using a snatchback move with 2:31 left to give Dallas a 112-107 edge. He scored 25 of his 35 points in the second half to guide the Mavericks into clutch time, with 16 coming in the third quarter.
Moments later, with the shot clock winding down, Dončić sank a 32-footer over Nickeil Alexander-Walker, pushing the lead to 117-109. The win highlighted Dallas’s evolution as a team built to thrive in clutch situations, a major turnaround from just a season ago.
The Mavericks finished last season with a 23-9 record in clutch regular season games, ranking second among all teams in clutch winning percentage. This marked a huge leap from the 6-15 clutch record they posted after Irving’s arrival in the 2022-23 season, a stretch that involved initial chemistry-building.
Now, with that foundation in place, Dallas has found a rhythm in close games, thanks to two players who excel in high-stakes moments.
“I thought just our execution and our poise with those two as our quarterback (was solid),” coach Jason Kidd said. “I think having Klay (Thompson) in these close games, too – we’re getting used to him being able to run stuff with him involved as a screen setter.”
“When you’ve got Luka and Kai on the floor, you’re talking about two of the best shooters in the league,” Kidd added. “Those two aren’t afraid of the moment, but they can also find the open guy to get a wide-open three.”
Two Proven Closers, One Reliable Finish
For the Mavericks, the ability to have both Dončić and Irving available in clutch time provides a unique advantage. Dončić, despite his shooting struggles and finishing just 1-of-8 from beyond the arc, hit the shot that mattered most and totaled 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. Irving, who led the Mavericks with 35 points on 13-of-23 shooting, including 6-of-8 from deep, controlled the offense, providing the steady scoring Dallas needed to stay in front.
“Kai had the game going, and the ball was in his hands. He made some big, big shots,” Kidd said of Irving’s impact down the stretch.
Their cohesive impact has created a rhythm that allows Dallas to dictate the terms of late-game situations. Both Irving and Dončić have shown an ability to step up as either scorer or facilitator, keeping defenses guessing.
Mutual Trust and Established Chemistry
Klay Thompson, who joined Dallas this summer and has experienced Irving and Dončić’s closing abilities from the other side, recognizes the impact of having two clutch players on the floor.
“I mean, I watched Luka and Kai,” Thompson told Sportskeeda. “I’ve been on the other end. Kyrie is clutch. He’s one of the most clutch players I’ve ever played against. Luka is not too far off, man.”
Thompson’s perspective underscores the synergy Dončić and Irving have developed. When defenses double-team one, the other is ready to step up, as Irving did when he opened up space for Dončić’s game-sealing three against Minnesota.
Building on a Clutch Foundation
Tuesday’s win pushed the Mavericks to 3-1, with Kidd seeing the Dončić-Irving tandem as the cornerstone of Dallas’s season.
“This was a step forward to playing better Mavs basketball as a team,” Kidd said. “Now, being able to have a home stand here—we’re home for a while—we’ve got to be able to protect home. This is definitely a win that we can build on.”
As Dallas kicks off a five-game homestand, starting with the Houston Rockets on Thursday, the Mavericks will look to continue building on their clutch play. Irving, averaging over 23 points and 5 assists, has been a steadying force, while Dončić is rounding into form after missing the preseason.
For Irving, the goal is straightforward. “Nights like tonight just prove that we still have a long way to go. Getting that chemistry is most important to us.”
In a loaded Western Conference, Dallas’s established clutch duo gives them a valuable advantage, positioning them to handle high-pressure moments throughout the season.
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