In a pep talk following their Game 3 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards expressed his unwavering determination to fight back in the Western Conference finals. Despite the odds stacked against them with a 3-0 deficit, Edwards rallied his teammates, including veterans Mike Conley, Kyle Anderson, and Karl-Anthony Towns, reminding them that they still have a chance to make history.

The Mavericks now hold a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, just one win away from securing their spot in the NBA Finals, which would give them a much-needed week of rest before the championship series begins on June 6. Adding to the pressure, Dallas guard Kyrie Irving boasts an impressive 14-0 record in closeout games during his postseason career.

However, Edwards and the Timberwolves are refusing to give in. Despite the statistics working against them, they are holding onto threads of hope. The Mavericks, for instance, are the first NBA team since 1998 to take a 3-0 series lead despite trailing at any point in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter in each game. Moreover, every game in the Western Conference finals has been decided in the final three minutes, with the Mavs outscoring the Timberwolves 24-11 during that stretch. The Timberwolves have also struggled from behind the arc, going 0-of-7 from 3-point range in the last three minutes of the fourth quarter.

Although Edwards' dunk on Mavericks center Daniel Gafford in Game 3 might have been celebrated as one of the greatest in NBA playoff history had they won, his individual performance has been inconsistent. He is averaging 22 points but shooting only 38.6% from the field, including missing 14 of his 21 3-point attempts against Dallas. Towns, too, has struggled with his shooting, hitting just 27.8% from the field, making it one of the worst field goal percentages through the first three games of the conference finals in the Shot Clock Era.

In contrast, the Mavericks' dynamic duo of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic scored 33 points each in Game 3, solidifying their place as one of the greatest offensive backcourts in NBA history. The Mavericks have been scoring at will, shooting an impressive 71% from the field, even with Timberwolves' defensive standout Rudy Gobert as the primary defender.

Despite the seemingly insurmountable challenge, Edwards remains positive and focused. He believes that his team can defeat a beatable opponent and make a historic comeback with four consecutive wins. In the post-game discussions, Edwards offered constructive criticism and encouragement to his teammates while also firing them up for the next game.

Veteran Mike Conley, who has never been to the NBA Finals, is impressed by Edwards' mindset and vision for a comeback. Conley sees Edwards as having the potential to be Superman, and if he can find his cape, anything is possible for the Timberwolves.

As Edwards makes his way to the Timberwolves' bus, he remains unfazed by the pressure, confident in his ability to overcome challenges due to his personal experiences growing up and facing adversity. He maintains an optimistic outlook, always staying positive and determined.

Although the odds may be stacked against them, the Timberwolves are not giving up. With Edwards leading the charge and his teammates rallying behind him, they are ready to take on the Mavericks and attempt what would be the greatest comeback in NBA playoff history. The Mavericks may have the advantage, but the Timberwolves are determined to prove that anything can happen in the game of basketball.