Another match, the third in a row, which comes down to the wire and another victory for the Mavericks. This observation, terrible for Wolvestranslates into an equally terrible figure for the latter: 3-0, therefore a series almost won now for the Texans, very close to the Finals, which will undoubtedly have to be played in Boston (in the same case, 3-0 against Indiana).
However, each time, Anthony Edwards and his gang were in the match at the final turn. “It’s just about consistency, on both ends of the pitch. That’s all we ask for in the end.”, laments Mike Conley.
The Wolves led in the “money time” without ever winning…
A statistic proves that the Wolves are so close in this conference final. Minnesota is the first team to be down 3-0 (since at least 1998, specifies ESPN) after leading the score at least once during the last five minutes of each match. In short: they had the orders without ever concluding…
“Basketball is not an exact science but we have to find a way to increase our level of play when it really counts”explains Rudy Gobert. “The last six minutes, everything has to be done at a higher level. All. We must continue to trust each other. On an individual level, we must look at what we can do better, and collectively, continue to be what we are. »
The Wolves failed to ride a possible dynamic. There was the third quarter, where Anthony Edwards accelerated with six points in a row, including his superb dunk on Daniel Gafford.
But in the last quarter, the Wolves lead a few seconds 104-102 before Kyrie Irving equalized. We then enter the last five minutes. Naz Reid then Kyle Anderson have the ball to get back in front. It's missed.
Shots taken with the pressure of the stopwatch
Anderson's shot, as well as the next one from Mike Conley, while Minnesota was behind by two points, were attempted in the very last seconds of the 24-second clock. Not ideal for taking a good shot.
“We play the way they want when we keep the ball and dribble, and ultimately fight with the clock”laments the Wolves playmaker. “It was a problem for us in this match. There are 10-11 seconds left and we have to force things, instead of playing an action earlier, going towards the circle. »
The attack of Chris Finch's troops is not always fluid, nor incredibly efficient, and it is even worse when Anthony Edwards is not sharp, or when Karl-Anthony Towns is very clumsy from afar. Without quick and fair decision-making, Minnesota cannot fight against the mastery of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
“In recent days, we have proven that we are more than capable of making the necessary adjustments and readings of the game,” Conley insists. “We have to want to do it, and every time against such an athletic and intelligent team. »
