Minnesota Timberwolves Shine In Clutch Time During 122-111 Win Over Dallas Mavericks

The Minnesota Timberwolves welcomed the Dallas Mavericks to the Target Center on Friday. Minnesota beat Dallas 122-111 in regulation. Minnesota improved to 35-22 and a three-game winning streak, while Dallas fell to 19-36 and a 10-game losing streak.

In Case You Missed It

The Minnesota Timberwolves blew out the Portland Trail Blazers 133-109 at Target Center on Wednesday, Feb. 11. Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 41 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists. Jrue Holiday led the Trail Blazers with 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.

The Dallas Mavericks suffered a blowout to the Los Angeles Lakers 124-104 at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday, Feb. 12. Naji Marshall led the Mavericks with 19 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists. LeBron James led the Lakers with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists.

James’ triple double of 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists not only defied “Father Time” but also broke the record of the oldest NBA player to record a triple double. His triple-double came 43 days after his 41st birthday.

Previously, Karl Malone had 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists for the Lakers on Nov. 28, 2003, when he was 40 years and 127 days old.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks Starters

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ starting lineup featured Donte DiVincenzo, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Randle, and Rudy Gobert. Minnesota had no injuries to report.

The Dallas Mavericks’ starting lineup featured Tyus Jones, Naji Marshall, Khris Middleton, PJ Washington Jr., and Daniel Gafford. Dallas ruled out Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery), Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), Cooper Flagg (left midfoot sprain), and Max Christie (left ankle sprain).

Timberwolves vs. Mavericks Recap

The Timberwolves and Mavericks enjoyed the festivities, along with any much-needed time off, from the NBA All-Star Break in Los Angeles just days before Friday’s game. Marshall, Jones, and Williams came in hot. Marshall, 28, is averaging 22 points per game over his last four games. Jones played his first four seasons with the Timberwolves with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 8.06 thus far this season. Williams, 25, is averaging 15.8 points per game on 56.1% shooting.

The first quarter saw a fast start from both teams. Jones found Washington for an early three-pointer. Gafford shone with a two-handed dunk. Dallas capitalized on Minnesota’s turnovers. Minnesota’s three-point shooting amazed the home crowd. Minnesota took a 40-25 lead to end the first.

Dallas took a two-point lead to open the second quarter. Dallas’ early effort cut the lead to 10 points. Washington broke up Edwards’ lob and connected with AJ Johnson, who scored his first points with the Mavs. Minnesota picked up the pace, with superb plays such as Naz Reid’s throwdown through traffic. Minnesota took a 69-57 lead into halftime.  

Gobert was called for a foul against Marvin Bagley III, which was a controversial way to end the first half. Gobert’s call was upgraded to a flagrant foul, and Dallas received two free throws to end the half. Edwards finished with 20 first-half points.

Dallas picked up the pace in the third quarter but ultimately fell short. Gafford blocked a shot and is averaging two blocks per game over the last five games. Marshall bounced a shot into the net. Minnesota took a 96-88 lead through three quarters.

Dallas opened the fourth-quarter scoring. Dallas’ early effort cut the lead to two before tying the game at 103. Jones pulled off a game-tying floater, but Minnesota regained a six-point lead, thanks to Anthony Edwards. Minnesota won 122-111 in regulation.

Next Steps

The Minnesota Timberwolves conclude the homestand against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Central. Minnesota could focus on key players, along with physicality and defensive skills, to potentially beat Philadelphia.

The Dallas Mavericks continue the road trip against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. Dallas could focus on key players, along with offensive strategies and defensive tactics, to potentially beat Indiana.