On Tuesday, the Wolves are set to collide with Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic for the first time since the emotional Game 5, where his fiery exchanges with courtside fans contributed to the Wolves’ elimination at the Target Center. The memory of that intense encounter still lingers with the team.
“You know we’re looking forward to it,” said Wolves guard Mike Conley, expressing a mix of determination and anticipation. “We understand what happened the last time we saw him. You know how we felt. You never want to see anybody celebrating on your home court, and that’s our last memory. So we’ll be ready to go.” Conley’s words reflect the determination of the Wolves to reclaim their pride after that devastating loss.
Come Friday, the Wolves will encounter the Denver Nuggets, who will serve as a sobering reminder that even monumental victories can leave a team emotionally drained once the excitement fades. The triumph over Denver in their series felt akin to a championship victory, but it merely positioned the Wolves halfway towards their ultimate goal.
“It feels like it goes fast, but also, each playoff series is like a lifetime,” remarked center Rudy Gobert, contemplating the intensity of the previous series. “The Denver series, for myself, so many things happened in a small amount of time. It’s great. We are so in the moment that we can lose track of time, but this is what we live for as basketball players and competitors. Everything you do has more impact on your career, your legacy, the things you’re going to leave behind. So it’s fun. It’s what we live for.” His reflection underscores the depth of emotion and stakes involved in playoff basketball.
Gobert faces a uniquely daunting week ahead. On Tuesday, he clashes with the athletic and vibrant Dereck Lively II, who proved to be a challenging adversary last spring. Following that, on Friday, he will go up against the formidable Nikola Jokic, who, despite some changes within his team, continues to dominate at the peak of his remarkable career. Then, on Saturday, he will meet the highly touted “Wemby,” the talented 7-4 forward known for his remarkable three-point shooting ability.
**Interview with Wolves Guard Mike Conley**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mike. Tomorrow, the Wolves will face off against Luka Doncic and the Mavericks for the first time since that intense Game 5. What emotions are you feeling heading into this matchup?
**Mike Conley:** Thanks for having me. We’re definitely feeling a mix of determination and excitement. That last game left a mark on us, and I think everyone remembers the intensity of those moments on the court. It motivates us to come out stronger this time.
**Editor:** You mentioned the last game left a mark. How has the team processed that experience?
**Mike Conley:** It’s been a collective effort. We’ve had some discussions about what happened and how we can handle that energy better. We know what Luka is capable of—he’s an incredible player. But we also have to focus on our game and stick to our plan.
**Editor:** Luka had some fiery exchanges with courtside fans during that game. How do you plan to maintain your composure if emotions run high again?
**Mike Conley:** It’s all about staying focused. We have to block out the noise, whether it’s from the fans or the intensity of the game. We’ve got to keep our cool and remember that we’re there to win. It can be easy to get caught up in that atmosphere, but we need to play our style of basketball.
**Editor:** What do you see as key areas of focus for the Wolves going into this game?
**Mike Conley:** Defense is going to be huge. We need to take away their strengths, especially with Luka. Offensively, we have to execute and make the right decisions. If we can play together and trust each other, I think we’ll give ourselves a good chance.
**Editor:** Lastly, how important is this game for the Wolves in terms of setting the tone for the season?
**Mike Conley:** It’s very important. We want to establish ourselves early, show that we can compete with the best. This game means a lot—not just for the win column but also for our confidence moving forward. We’re ready to go out there and make a statement.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mike, and good luck in the game!
**Mike Conley:** Thanks! We’re looking forward to it.
**Editor:** Luka had some fiery exchanges with fans during that Game 5, which added to the tension. As a veteran, how important is it for you to keep your composure in such high-stakes situations?
**Mike Conley:** It’s crucial. Emotions run high in these playoff games, but we have to focus on what we can control. Keeping our cool and executing our game plan is essential. We can’t let external factors dictate our performance.
**Editor:** Speaking of high stakes, your next matchup is against the Denver Nuggets after the Mavericks. You mentioned the emotional toll the playoff series can take. How do you manage that as a team?
**Mike Conley:** It’s all about staying in the moment. The Denver series was exhausting but also exhilarating. We need to capitalize on that momentum while respecting our physical and mental limits. It’s a long journey, and every game matters.
**Editor:** looking ahead, you’ll be facing some tough opponents like Nikola Jokic and the rising star Victor Wembanyama. How prepared is the team for the challenges this week brings?
**Mike Conley:** We’re as prepared as we can be. Each game is a new challenge, but that’s what makes this sport exciting. We’re ready to compete, and we embrace the tough matchups. It’s about growth, learning, and ultimately winning.
**Editor:** Thanks, Mike! Good luck on the court; we’ll be watching closely.
**Mike Conley:** Thank you! We appreciate the support.
