The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-107 in the third game of the Western Conference Finals, leading the series 3-0. The match took place on Sunday, with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving contributing 33 points each. The game saw a pivotal 12-3 run by Dallas in the final three minutes and 38 seconds.

The Timberwolves had initially trailed by 12 points but equalized at 77 points midway through the third quarter, resulting in ten ties over the next 13 minutes. PJ Washington’s score brought Dallas ahead at 107-104 before Doncic and Irving secured the lead. Daniel Gafford, stepping in after Dereck Lively II suffered a neck strain, made significant plays, including a block on Mike Conley’s lay-up with 56.7 seconds left and a three-point play to seal the victory.

Doncic noted the importance of team play, saying, “They tried to double me the whole game, they tried to double Kyrie. That just makes us better. Everybody touches the ball, everybody makes plays.”

The Mavericks will aim to advance to their first NBA Finals since 2011 by winning Game 4 on Tuesday in Dallas. In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics also lead their series against the Indiana Pacers 3-0, with Game 4 scheduled for Monday in Indianapolis.