Australian duo Josh Green and Dante Exum In the NBA FINALS

Australian duo Josh Green and Dante Exum are heading to the NBA Finals after the Dallas Mavericks humiliated the Minnesota Timberwolves on their home court.

Led by a stellar performance from Luka Doncic, the Mavericks triumphed with a 124-103 victory in Game 5, clinching the Western Conference Finals series 4-1. They now face the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.

This matchup means Kyrie Irving, who scored 15 points in the second quarter for Dallas, will be up against his former team and the Boston fanbase, reigniting old rivalries and memories.

Doncic, who scored 36 points in the decisive win and was named the Western Conference Finals MVP, averaged 32.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists throughout the series. Irving, proving himself a valuable co-star, scored 36 points in Game 5 and averaged 27 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists over the series.

For Minnesota, Friday’s loss was a bitter end to a playoff run that held much promise after the Anthony Edwards-led Timberwolves ousted the defending champion Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semi-finals.

Doncic set the tone early, outscoring Minnesota alone in the first quarter with 20 points, leading the Mavericks to a 35-19 advantage. Despite the game being tied at 18-18 midway through the first period, Dallas ended the quarter on a 17-1 run, with the Timberwolves struggling to find their rhythm.

Minnesota's shooting woes continued, hitting just 31 percent from the field in the first quarter compared to Dallas' 61 percent, with Rudy Gobert leading the Timberwolves in shot attempts.

The Mavericks started strong, and despite Doncic taking a well-earned rest at the beginning of the second quarter, Irving took charge. He scored six points and added an assist in the first three minutes of the quarter before Doncic re-entered the game.

Dallas extended their lead to 46-23 early in the second quarter, with Green and Exum both contributing significantly. Green made a driving layup and played with his trademark energy, while Exum hustled for crucial defensive rebounds.

Despite a valiant effort by Edwards, who managed a step-back three over Exum, Minnesota couldn't close the gap. Key missed opportunities by the Timberwolves allowed Dallas to maintain their lead, highlighted by clutch shots from Derrick Jones Jr. and P.J. Washington that extended their buffer.

By halftime, the Mavericks had widened their lead to 69-40, propelled by a 17-4 run. Irving had 15 points in the second quarter, with Doncic closing the half with 25 points.

Although Minnesota won the third quarter 33-28, they still trailed 97-73, facing a daunting 24-point deficit with just 12 minutes left. Ultimately, the Timberwolves couldn't mount a comeback, and the Mavericks secured their spot in the NBA Finals against the Celtics.