The Dallas Mavericks faced a tough blow in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals, falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves 105-100. Instead of starting their break before the NBA Finals, the Mavs are now preparing for a trip to Minneapolis. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving were quick to take responsibility for the loss, emphasizing their roles in the team’s performance.
“I think that game is on me,” Luka Doncic admitted post-game. “I just didn’t give enough energy.” Despite recording his sixth triple-double of these playoffs with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, Luka Doncic’s shooting woes were apparent. He made only 7 of his 21 attempts and ended the night with a minus-13 plus-minus rating, the worst alongside teammate P.J. Washington.
Kyrie Irving Acknowledges Offensive Struggles
Kyrie Irving also faced difficulties, scoring 16 points on a 6-of-18 shooting performance and committing four turnovers. Reflecting on his performance, Irving said, “He’s not alone in this. I expect him to say something like that, especially knowing how much he cares and how much he wants to win and how much he wants to lead our group.
So I expect nothing less. I think you heard me, too, just say that it’s on me. That’s what you’re supposed to hear from your leaders of your team.”
The Mavs had a five-game winning streak snapped by the Timberwolves, who changed their defensive strategy. Jaden McDaniels, who previously guarded Luka Doncic, switched to Irving, while Anthony Edwards took on the challenge of defending Doncic. This defensive shift marked the first time in the playoffs that both Doncic and Irving shot below 35% from the field.
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving’s Team Effort
Derrick Jones Jr. emphasized the team aspect of the loss. “It’s not on them, it’s on us as a team,” Jones said. “We are a unit. We go out there, and we play together, we win together, we lose together. It’s not on one person. I know that they’re the leaders of the team, that head of the snake, but we got their back through thick and through thin.”
Despite the defensive adjustments, Luka Doncic managed to score 28 points but struggled with 5-of-15 shooting when Edwards was his primary defender. He praised Edwards, calling him an “amazing player,” but maintained that the responsibility for the loss rested on his shoulders.
Defensive Challenges and Adjustments
Irving, acknowledging the difficulty of facing McDaniels, said, “He has a huge impact. I mean, he is a 6-9 wing defender that I’m seeing now for the first time from the start of the game. So it’s going to be an adjustment, but I love it. I relish in these type opportunities.”
The Game 4 loss was particularly significant for Irving, marking the first blemish on his career record in potential closeout games. With a previously perfect 14-0 record, this loss ended the longest individual winning streak in NBA history in such situations.
“It’s a new space,” Irving remarked. “So now we just got to deal with this one, deal with this loss and get ready for Minnesota and enjoy that crowd there, man, because it’s going to be hostile.”
Looking Ahead to Game 5
The Mavericks are now focused on regrouping and preparing for the hostile environment in Minneapolis. With their star players taking accountability and emphasizing a team-first mentality, Dallas aims to bounce back and close out the series in Game 5.
As the series continues, fans can expect intense matchups and strategic adjustments. The resilience and leadership of Luka Doncic and Irving will be crucial for the Mavericks as they strive to advance to the NBA Finals.
