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[Saba Sports News] The Dallas Mavericks can sweep the Minnesota Timberwolves out of the 2024 NBA Playoffs with a win in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. No team has ever overcome a 3-0 series deficit, and Kyrie Irving made it clear that the pressure is on the Timberwolves, not the Mavericks, heading into Game 4.
“This is their Super Bowl. It’s just a normal game for us.”
Irving might regret those words, as the Timberwolves have controlled Game 4 so far, though the Mavs tied the game 49-49 at halftime. Irving has struggled, scoring just six points on 2-8 shooting. Although he is 14-0 in closeout games, that record is in jeopardy against a determined Wolves squad.
The Mavericks are without their plus/minus leader Dereck Lively II, whose interior presence has been crucial since Round 2. A loss would force the Mavericks back to Minnesota for Game 5 while the Boston Celtics get extra rest until June 6.
Irving’s comments might have been ill-advised, as the Mavericks should treat this as a must-win game to secure rest and recover from injuries. Despite his pregame remarks, Irving stated after Game 3 that the team approaches the series with a 0-0 mentality, emphasizing that the job isn’t finished.
Luka Doncic echoed this sentiment, focusing on the next game and acknowledging the challenge the Wolves present.
Irving has averaged 22.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists this postseason, excelling in closing out games. While his first half in Game 4 was slow, much attention will be on him to deliver in the fourth quarter as expected.