Proof showing Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns’ controversial basket interference was correct call

It is hard to see Towns’ violation with the naked eye. Nevertheless, the officials made the correct call. Thankfully, the Replay Center is on standby to help referees gain clarity on close decisions. The technology they use should continue to come in handy during the intense Timberwolves-Mavericks series.

Minnesota was very close to taking Game 1. However, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving were determined to lead the Mavs to victory.

Doncic finished the game with a team-high 33 points to go with eight assists. Doncic’s partner-in-crime, Kyrie Irving, also had a standout performance. The shifty guard amassed 30 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Doncic was grateful for Irving’s early scoring outburst and cited it as the reason Dallas was able to stay in the game.

“We probably would be down 20 (at halftime) if he hadn’t scored that many points,” Doncic said of Irving via NBA on X. “I appreciate him keeping us in the game.”

The Timberwolves had a tough time stopping the two star guards, but they will surely come back stronger for Game 2.

Timberwolves look to bounce back in Game 2 against Mavericks

Minnesota put on an admirable team performance on Wednesday night despite falling just short of the win. Anthony Edwards did not have the offensive outburst fans wanted him to, but he still put forth an all-around effort. Edwards finished with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. The 2023-24 All-NBA Second-Team guard looks to continue his momentum into Game 2.

One of the brightest showings for Minnesota in Game 1 was Jaden McDaniels. McDaniels scored a team-high 24 points, notched four boards, and four rebounds. The 23-year-old is blossoming into one of the best two-way forces in the league. McDaniels just earned his first NBA All-Defensive selection (Second Team).

McDaniels is not the only two-way force the Timberwolves possess. Rudy Gobert had the highest plus-minus out of all Minnesota starters. He amassed 12 points, seven rebounds, two blocks, and was a plus-12 on the night. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year wants to provide more paint presence to deter Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving from entering the paint.

It will take another massive team effort for Minnesota to overcome the offensive prowess of the Mavericks. If everyone continues to contribute and the Timberwolves can knock down a few more shots, they should be able to even the series.

It will be interesting to see what happens in a pivotal Game 2 in Minnesota on Friday. Hopefully, Karl-Anthony Towns and company can seal the deal early so as not to have to deal with close late-game calls.