"Felt like a playoff game":Klay Thompson Reacts to Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving’s Clutch Brilliance Against Timberwolves

Luka Dončić delivered a familiar dose of late-game heroics, hitting a 32-foot step-back three to push the Dallas Mavericks past the Minnesota Timberwolves, 120-114, at Target Center.

As his long-range shot splashed through the net with 1:04 remaining, Dončić turned to the crowd and shouted, "That's what I f---ing do" a sentiment that encapsulated his confidence in high-pressure moments.

“We’ve seen this movie before,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said, referencing Dončić’s clutch performances in last season's Western Conference Finals, where Dallas eliminated Minnesota in five games. “He loves the opportunity to win the game. He’s not scared, and he stepped up and made a big shot.”

Dončić’s final three-pointer highlighted an otherwise challenging shooting night for the Slovenian superstar, who finished with 27 points while shooting 10-of-27 from the floor, adding eight rebounds and nine assists. His deep-range dagger, though, was the latest display in his clutch heroics.

"I don’t know how I make those shots and not the normal ones," Dončić said postgame. "I’ve got to shake off the rust from missing preseason, but we got the win. That’s what counts."

Kyrie Irving’s contributions were vital, scoring 25 of his 35 points in the second half. The Dončić-Irving duo combined for 16 of the Mavericks' final 21 points, staving off several Timberwolves comeback attempts.

“It’s just winning time,” Irving said. “I knew that we needed to create some separation and ride that confidence. Minnesota’s always tough, but we stayed composed.”

In his first season with Dallas, newly acquired Maverick Klay Thompson praised his star teammates’ abilities in clutch situations, telling Sportskeeda after the game that Dončić and Irving are two of the best closers he’s ever seen.

"It's hard to judge four games in... I mean, I watched Luke and Kai," Thompson told Sportskeeda. "I've been on the other end. Kyrie is one of the most clutch players I’ve ever played against. Luka’s right there, too."

While the latest clutch dagger was made by Dončić, he remains confident in trusting Irving or Thompson to seize the moment. With Irving commanding double teams against Minnesota, the ball found Dončić in order to make a play.

“We have me, Klay, and Kai—those two guys, anyone can take the shot,” Dončić said. “Sometimes, they’ll double one of us, like tonight when they doubled Kai, so I had the opportunity to take it. Gotta say thank you to Kai for that.

Thompson, a four-time NBA champion, emphasized the value of early-season battles like Tuesday’s win for building cohesion.

“It felt like a playoff game tonight,” he told Sportskeeda. “Playing games like this is going to pay huge dividends down the line.”

Thompson also noted Dallas’ ability to maintain energy and focus in the third quarter, setting up their late-game success.

“Keeping that intensity in the third is big. We’ve got to keep pushing, especially on nights like this when every possession counts,” he said.

With a 3-1 start to their regular season campaign, the Mavericks enter a five-game homestand with a lot of momentum, having swept a back-to-back. As Dončić continues to find his rhythm, Irving is firing on all cylinders, and with Thompson offering a steadying presence, Dallas is well-positioned for a strong season in the loaded Western Conference.

The Mavericks return to action on Thursday, Oct. 31, when they host the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center.