NBA playoffs: Luka Doncic hits game-winner as Dallas Mavericks double series lead over Minnesota Timberwolves

Luka Doncic helped the Dallas Mavericks to a 2-0 lead over the Minnesota TImberwolves in the Western Conference FInals, with a game-winning three-pointer at the death.

The 25-year-old Slovenian struck with three seconds remaining to earn a 109-108 win on Friday night, live on TNT Sports.

Dallas had been trailing by 16 points in the third quarter, but their star player put on a sterling performance to help his side to extend their lead, after already winning the first.

Doncic scored 32 points, more than any other player on the court, ahead of games three and four which take place in Texas.

With 11 seconds to go, the Timberwolves were up by two, and Doncic took possession of the ball. Up against Rudy Gobert, he made room for a shot from outside the three-point line.

The move demonstrated once again that Doncic is a clutch player, and speaking after the victory, he discussed the moment.

"I can't move fast, but I can move faster than him!" he told TNT Sports, when NBA icon Shaquille O'Neal pointed out he was up against the Defensive Player of the Year in Gobert.

Hearts were in mouths for the Mavs in the dying fractions of the game when Naz Reid missed his shot at glory, though he earned huge plaudits throughout and ended the game with a contribution of 23 points.

Somewhat worryingly for the Timberwolves, superstars Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns saw a downturn in form that saw them score 36 points between them.

Draymond Green - a four-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors - sees no way back for the Timberwolves, telling TNT Sports: "I know the question is, can they do what Denver did and win the next two? And the answer is no - no chance."

Games 3 and 4 take place on Monday and Wednesday, respectively, in the Mavericks’ backyard, at American Airlines Center.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference Finals continues in the early hours of Sunday morning BST, live on TNT Sports via discovery+. The Boston Celtics have a 2-0 lead over the Indiana Pacers.

The winners of the respective conferences then go onto the NBA Finals, starting on Wednesday, June 7.

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