3 Studs, 2 duds from Mavericks' thrilling Game 1 win over Timberwolves

3. Stud - Luka Doncic

At the start of the Dallas Mavericks' second-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Luka Doncic looked like a completely different player in the worst possible way. His knee injury was hindering him, and he couldn't get anything to go.

Doncic bounced back as the series went on and ended up finishing the series with three straight triple-doubles, and he carried that positive momentum from the Thunder series into their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Doncic finished with 33 points, six rebounds, and eight assists, and despite just shooting 3-10 from downtown and 12-26 from the field, he showed up when it mattered most. He was getting to his spots early in this game, drawing fouls around the bucket, and Minnesota couldn't stop him and Kyrie Irving.

Jaden McDaniels seems like he is going to be an easier matchup than Lu Dort was on Doncic due to him not being as physical, and the Timberwolves are going to have to keep Doncic in check if they want to win his series.

He was creating enough space when letting it fly from downtown, they just weren't falling until the end of the game. Doncic was moving better than he was at any point in the Thunder series, and although his knee likely won't fully heal until after the season, it looks like he won't be as affected by it as he was in the other series.

Doncic was automatic in the clutch, and he proved that he is the best player in this series.