Timberwolves fall into 3-0 hole

POSTERIZED Anthony Edwards catches a body with this highlight-reel dunk in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. However, the Timberwolves fall to the Mavs, 116-107, and are now on the brink of elimination. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES PHOTO

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving each scored 33 points as the Dallas Mavericks orchestrated a decisive run in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-107 on Sunday night, securing a commanding 3-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals.

  The Mavericks are now just one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2011.

  Irving was stellar, shooting 12-of-20 from the field, adding three rebounds and four assists. He also nailed a clutch step-back jumper with a minute remaining that effectively sealed the victory.

  Doncic matched Irving's scoring output with 33 points of his own, including five three-pointers. He also contributed seven rebounds, five assists, and five steals, showcasing his all-around game.

  For the Timberwolves, it was a tough night as they struggled to keep pace with Dallas in the final moments.

  Anthony Edwards provided a highlight-reel dunk and scored 26 points, but it wasn't enough.

  Karl-Anthony Towns had a particularly rough outing, shooting just 5-of-18 from the floor and missing all eight of his three-point attempts, including a critical one late in the game.

  The Timberwolves as a team went 9-of-30 from beyond the arc, while the Mavericks were a scorching 14-for-28.

   Game 4 is set for Tuesday in Dallas, where the Mavericks, riding a five-game winning streak, will look to close out the series and advance to the NBA Finals.