3 Studs, 2 duds from Mavericks' narrow Game 4 loss to Timberwolves

On Tuesday, the Dallas Mavericks played one of their biggest games in franchise history as they had the chance to clinch their third NBA Finals berth with a home win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.

Dallas won a wild Game 3 on Sunday, and the city was buzzing for the past two days as everyone could sense just how close the Mavs were to the promised land.

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving's bond along with the play of the role players and outstanding defense got them this far, and their series against the Timberwolves will trek on as they lost Game 4 105-100 and the Timberwolves forced a Game 5.

3 Studs, 2 duds from Mavericks' narrow Game 4 loss to Timberwolves

Dallas has been showing everyone who doubted them that they are going to be elite for years to come with Doncic and Irving at the helm of their young core, and but they haven't punched their ticket to the NBA Finals just yet.

Irving and Doncic could soon have the chance to prove that they have what it takes to win together on the biggest stage in the world, the NBA Finals, but they have to find a way to beat the Timberwolves in one of the next three games first.

Dallas had the chance to win this game, but they couldn't get the win in the clutch.

Here are three studs and two duds from the Dallas Mavericks' narrow Game 5 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

5. Stud - Maxi Kleber

Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber is someone who the Mavs have been without for nearly a month, as he went down with a shoulder injury in Game 6 of their first-round series against the LA Clippers. Tests revealed a fully dislocated AC joint in his shoulder, and this injury couldn't have happened at a worse time.

Kleber was shooting amazingly against the Clippers, and his ability to play the small-ball five was much needed. His versatility, defense, and floor-stretching ability are invaluable, and he finally returned to the Mavs lineup for Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Although Kleber didn't play a ton, he finished with two points and one rebound. These numbers don't nearly tell the story with Kleber, and his impact goes way beyond the stat sheet.

As soon as Kleber checked into the game, you could feel an energy change. The fans were ecstatic to have him back, and he brought physicality while guarding Rudy Gobert. Gobert was clearly getting frustrated, and Kleber played great defense on the ball as well as off the ball.

Kleber being on this list is a combination of him returning combined with him playing well off the bench, and they'll need him to continue to play well in these playoffs, especially if Dereck Lively II can't play in Game 5.