Most to blame for the unfortunate Game 1 loss to the Mavericks is the Timberwolves.

The Minnesota Timberwolves were the favorites to go to the NBA Finals after defeating the Denver Nuggets, the defending champions, in a thrilling series triumph. Unfortunately, the Dallas Mavericks, their opponent in the Western Conference Finals, are by no means a pushover. The Mavericks were going to give the Timberwolves a lot more trouble than just the Nuggets, especially with Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic leading the way.

Despite their best efforts, the Timberwolves were defeated in Game 1; the Mavericks simply appeared to have more energy in the closing minutes as they won 108-105 to take an early lead in the series. Of all teams, the Timberwolves would understand that a tiny setback like this is no cause for alarm. There’s no need to worry because they showed resilience against the Nuggets, as seen by their ability to overcome a 20-point lead in Game 7 and a 3-2 series deficit.

However, the Timberwolves are wise enough to avoid letting homecourt advantage elude them. They may have avoided defeat in both of their home games during the Nuggets series, but they won’t want to tempt fate against a Mavericks team that appears to be solidifying their playoff position with every passing game.

The Timberwolves need to improve their games going forward. Their stars in particular will need to perform better.

In Game 1, Anthony Edwards runs out of gas.

After the Timberwolves’ thrilling Game 7 comeback victory against the Nuggets, Anthony Edwards was, quite rightly, feeling himself. Before the game began, Edwards was saying farewell to Ball Arena supporters, chatting with Nuggets supporters by the basket, and calling out Kyrie Irving, claiming he would be the one defending the Mavericks star.