Wolves vs Mavericks WCF Series Preview

The Wolves are still here folks! Its time to turn our attention towards the next opponent in front of them, the Dallas Mavericks.

Series Preview
First question that I know needs to be asked is: what can the Nuggets series teach these Wolves about how to win in the playoffs? Well, one thing is for sure, you cannot take anything for granted anymore. Minnesota had a 2-0 series lead over Denver, and then lost 3 straight. That can't happen anymore. I know many believe Dallas to not be to the level that Denver was at, but I don't care - this is the Western Conference Finals. You are going to get everyone's best, as this is the last opponent standing between you and a trip to the NBA Finals. 
Something you always say before a series starts is, you have to take care of home court. That is because it is so crucial, especially for the team starting the series at home. Especially after last series, if Minnesota can get out to an early 2-0 lead - that is always a good thing. But obviously, you need to also keep your foot on the gas if that happens, you cannot let the Mavs back in if that happens.

Strengths of Each Team
Obviously as we all know, the biggest strength of the Wolves this year, is their stifling defense. The reigning champs had been held under 100 12 times this season, and 6 of those were handed to them by Minnesota. Minnesota needs to stick to their gameplan to have a good chance of getting past Dallas. Minnesota's defense typically then translates to fantastic offense that can even be explosive at times. Dallas' defense is probably their only weakness. During the regular season, while the Wolves led the league in defensive rating, the Mavs were 18th in defensive rating - a full 6 points behind Minnesota.
The real fun matchup will come between Minnesota's suffocating defense and Dallas' star powered offense. Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic highlight this offense, but they can score with multiple players like Tim Hardaway Jr and Dereck Lively. I am expecting Ant to matchup on Kyrie for the majority of time, providing quite a challenge. After that it will have to be Jaden McDaniels on Doncic. 

History
Minnesota is 10-2 against the Mavericks in the last two seasons, a fairly impressive clip and I believe that is their best record against a playoff team this season. Now this doesn't mean that the Wolves will have this series handed to them, they need to win 4 games. They cannot let that record change their attitude. They need to play with confidence, aggressiveness, and strength. In games 1 and 2, they need to keep the crowd in the game and feed off that energy. This is such a winnable series for Minnesota, but it doesn't matter what I or anybody else outside says - the Wolves need to hammer down and beat these Mavs!

Schedule
Here is the full series schedule for the Western Conference Finals vs Dallas:
Game 1: vs. Dallas 5/22 at 7:30 PM
Game 2: vs. Dallas 5/24 at 7:30 PM
Game 3: @ Dallas 5/26 at 7 PM
Game 4: @ Dallas 5/28 at 7:30 PM
Game 5*: vs. Dallas 5/30 at 7:30 PM
Game 6*: @ Dallas 6/1 at 7:30 PM
Game 7*: vs. Dallas 6/3 at 7:30 PM
* if necessary - All times Central
All games of the WCF will be broadcast on TNT.

Lets go for Game 1 tomorrow night!! Its gonna be a party in Minneapolis and Target Center, lets get hyped Wolves fans!!!

​#WolvesBack