3 Studs, 2 duds from Mavericks' gutsy road win against Timberwolves

On the second night of back-to-back for the Dallas Mavericks, they took down the Minnesota Timberwolves by a score of 120-114.

Before Klay Thompson joined the Mavericks this offseason and before 2023 when Kyrie Irving was traded, it was quite rare fans would see Dallas in the win column if Luka Doncic had a rough shooting night.

Fortunately that's not the case anymore. Doncic struggled to find any rhythm last night, but somehow he still deserves some credit. It seems like whenever the Mavericks are in need of a dagger shot in Minnesota, Doncic will be there to save the day.

3 Studs, 2 duds from Mavericks' gutsy road win against Timberwolves

Doncic got the switch onto Nickeil Alexander-Walker with a little more than a minute left in the fourth quarter while up by five points. In a close spot as to where Doncic hit the game-winner over Rudy Gobert in the second game of the Western Conference Finals last season, he did the same thing, but this time it was from logo range.

The Mavericks will head back to Dallas to prepare for their home matchup against the Houston Rockets on Thursday.

The Mavericks' will head back to Dallas to prepare for their home matchup against the Houston Rockets on Thursday.

5. Stud - Dereck Lively II

Once again, Dereck Lively II proved that his year two leap is real.

It has been a constant debate on if Lively II or Daniel Gafford should start, and now might be the time to put that conversation to an end. It's been proven that after four games this season, both centers thrive in the current roles they're in.

Gafford finished the game with 14 points and shot a perfect 6-6 from the floor.

The key standout once again though, was Lively II. In a game where the Mavericks needed him to be great on both ends of the floor, the 7-foot-1 center proved that he might be a future Defensive Player of te Year candidate.

Lively II finished the game with five points, nine rebounds, three steals, and shot 2-3 from the field. What stood out most though was the phenomenal perimeter defense on multiple Timberwolves players.

In the Utah Jazz game on Monday, Lively II impressed fans with his defense on Jordan Clarkson, specifically on the perimeter. He managed to impress once again as he was not shy of taking on the task of switching onto Anthony Edwards and getting stops.

It was truly an all-around game for Lively II. In every aspect, he found a way to make a contribution. Lively II recorded five offensive rebounds against the Timberwolves as well.

Although he has been playing great basketball, the Mavericks will have to rely on him again when they take on the Houston Rockets, as he will have a tough task guarding Alperen Şengün.