In an intense turn of events during the Western Conference Finals, Luka Doncic took center stage, delivering a performance that fans and critics alike won’t soon forget. The Dallas Mavericks‘ star player led his team to a thrilling 109-108 comeback victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, and it was Rudy Gobert who felt the full force of Doncic.

The tension between the two players was palpable early on, especially after Gobert appeared to hit Doncic in the stomach while trying to get the ball. The incident, which many deemed a dirty play, only seemed to fuel Luka’s competitive fire.

As the fourth quarter unfolded and Dallas trailed by just two points, Doncic orchestrated a masterful play. Targeting Gobert on a switch, Doncic’s footwork left the reigning Defensive Player of the Year scrambling. Reggie Miller, calling the game, likened the scene to “dancing with the stars” as Doncic effortlessly maneuvered around Gobert. With just seconds remaining, Doncic sank a three-pointer that put Dallas ahead for good, securing a 2-0 lead in the series.

Luka Doncic’s fiery exchange with Rudy Gobert defines the night

The aftermath of the clutch shot was just as memorable. Never one to shy away from expressing his emotions, Luka directed some choice words at Gobert: “Motherf*cker! You can’t f*cking guard me!” The fiery exchange, combined with Gobert’s stunned expression, quickly became the defining image of the night and possibly the series.

Postgame, Luka added another layer to his victory. While he claimed in his media comments that he didn’t actually tell Gobert “you can’t f*cking guard me,” and was instead speaking in Slovenian, his intent was crystal clear. In an interview with the “Inside the NBA” crew, Doncic, alongside Shaquille O’Neal, didn’t hold back.

“I can’t move fast, but I can move faster than him,” Doncic quipped, a remark that was both self-deprecating and a direct jab at Gobert’s defensive prowess.

As the series heads back to Dallas, the Timberwolves are left to regroup and find a way to counter Doncic’s dominance. For Rudy Gobert, it’s a challenging period, compounded by the internet’s quick transformation of his misfortune into a meme sensation.

For now, Luka Doncic and the Mavericks hold the upper hand, and the star’s sweet revenge on Gobert serves as a testament that Doncic is refered to as “one of the best” for a reason. The Timberwolves will need more than just defensive adjustments to turn the tide in this fiercely contested series.