Luka Doncic game-winner: Mavericks star's step back over Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert completes Game 2 comeback

Kyle Irving

Luka Doncic game-winner: Mavericks star's step back over Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert completes Game 2 comeback image

Luka Doncic has done it again.

The Mavericks superstar proved there is no moment too big for his heroics, coming up clutch with a game-winning 3-pointer over Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert in the final seconds of Game 2 to give Dallas a 109-108 victory.

The Mavericks trailed by as many as 18 points before mounting a second-half comeback. Superstar guard Kyrie Irving finally found a groove early in the fourth quarter, then Doncic delivered the knockout punch to give Dallas a 2-0 series lead.

If you missed Doncic's electrifying game-winning shot, The Sporting News has you covered below.

MORE: The best reactions to Luka Doncic's game-winner

Luka Doncic game-winner vs. Timberwolves

The Timberwolves had a two-point lead with 30 seconds remaining and a chance to put the game away. All-Star guard Anthony Edwards threw the ball away for a turnover late in the shot clock, giving the Mavericks a chance to win the game.

Doncic did not let Dallas spoil the opportunity.

He received the inbounds pass with 12 seconds remaining. Dereck Lively II came up to screen All-Defensive Team member Jaden McDaniels to force a switch, giving Doncic a one-on-one matchup with four-time Defensive Player of the Year Gobert.

With Gobert on an island at the top of the key, Doncic put the Timberwolves big man on skates before burying a cold-blooded stepback 3-pointer to give the Mavericks a one-point lead with three seconds remaining.

Naz Reid's rebuttal hit the back of the rim and Dallas came away with a crucial comeback victory to take Games 1 and 2 on the road in Minnesota.

After the win, Doncic joined the "Inside the NBA" crew for a postgame interview. Shaquille O'Neal was quick to remind Doncic that he had the reigning Defensive Player of the Year on him as the entire panel laughed.

"I can't move fast, but I can move faster than him," Doncic joked.

The Mavericks star finished with a triple-double of 32 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds. Luka Magic continues.

What did Luka Doncic say to Rudy Gobert?

Doncic is one of the most intense competitors in the NBA and that shines through in big moments.

After he buried what became the game-winning triple, Doncic had some choice (NSFW) words for Gobert.

"Motherf—! You can't f—ing guard me," Doncic appeared to scream in Gobert's face before yelling at the entire crowd to "Go home b—!" once the Mavericks sealed the win.

Luka Doncic stats vs. Timberwolves

Doncic led the Mavericks to victory in Game 2 with team-highs of 32 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds. It's the fifth triple-double he's recorded in the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

Here is Doncic's full stat line:

StatTotal
Minutes41:27
Points32
Assists13
Rebounds10
Turnovers4
FG%10-23 (43.5%)
3-point %5-11 (45.5%)
FT%7-7 (100%)

Kyle Irving

Kyle Irving Photo

You read that wrong – not Kyrie Irving. From Boston, graduated from the University of New Hampshire. Sixth season as a content producer for NBA.com's Global editions. Covering the NBA Draft has become his annual "dream come true" moment on the job. Irving has a soft spot for pass-first point guards, with Rajon Rondo and Steve Nash being two of his favorite players of all time.