The Minnesota Timberwolves trio towers were challenged by the revamped Dallas Mavericks led by rookie Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, altering game 1 of the Conference finals with strong defense and rebounding. Mavericks dominated the paint against the defensive Timberwolves in a close victory.

With a new line-up, Dallas showed strong defensive capabilities and rebounding under the leadership of Lively and Gafford, outrebounding the Timberwolves and scoring an advantage in the paint. Minnesota adjusted their strategy with more 3-point shots, but struggled to break through the defense.