Dallas Mavericks Fall to Minnesota Timberwolves 118-105

The Dallas Mavericks returned home to open a two-game homestand starting with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. However, the Timberwolves beat the Mavericks 118-105 at the American Airlines Center. Minnesota improved to 29-19, while Dallas fell to 19-28.

Dallas hosted Norm Sonju Bobblehead Night. Norm Sonju, now 87, is the co-founder of the Mavericks. Sonju served as the Mavericks’ President and General Manager from the team’s inception in 1980 until he retired in 1996. The first 5,000 fans received Sonju’s bobblehead.

In case you missed it, Dallas’ Sunday game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Fiserv Forum was postponed due to inclement weather. The NBA hasn’t announced a rescheduled date yet.

The Minnesota Timberwolves blew out the Golden State Warriors 108-83 in the second game of a back-to-back set on Monday. Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 18 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Quinten Post led the Warriors with 13 points and five rebounds.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Starters

The Mavericks and Timberwolves’ storied rivalry dates back to the two teams’ first meeting in 1990. Since then, Dallas and Minnesota have faced each other numerous times. Dallas and Minnesota’s key matchups, player performances and rising stars contributed to the glory.

Dallas’ starting lineup featured Max Christie, Naji Marshall, Caleb Martin, PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford. Dallas ruled out Dante Exum (knee), Kyrie Irving (knee), Dereck Lively II (foot), Anthony Davis (finger), Cooper Flagg (ankle) and Klay Thompson (left knee soreness).

Minnesota’s starting lineup featured Donte DiVincenzo, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert. Minnesota ruled out Terrence Shannon Jr. (foot).

Mavericks vs. Timberwolves Recap

Wednesday’s game served as a breather for the Mavericks, who had three days off prior to the tip-off of the latest Hardwood Classic Night. The Timberwolves had two days off.

The two teams played a high-scoring first quarter. Daniel Gafford dazzled the home crowd with a finish and a foul. Dallas shone with a defense-to-offense sequence. Julius Randle had 10 first-quarter points. Minnesota took a 31-29 lead to end the first.

Naz Reid ranks second in points, rebounds and three-pointers made and fourth in minutes per game in the NBA’s ranks off the bench this season. Reid, 26, also scores 43% of the Timberwolves’ bench points, the most in the NBA.

Minnesota maintained momentum throughout the second quarter. Dallas’ turnovers, along with field goal and three-point shooting, trailed Minnesota’s first-half percentages. Naji Marshall’s superb defense remained a constant, though. Julius Randle had 16 first-half points. Minnesota took a 58-48 lead into halftime.

PJ Washington scored his first points of the game early in the third quarter. Minnesota built a 16-point lead. Naz Reid’s back-and-forth movement fended off defenders for a successful rim shot. Joan Beringer blocked Ryan Nembhard’s shot for a highlight-reel-worthy play. Minnesota took a 92-75 lead through three quarters.

Dallas opened the scoring in the fourth quarter. However, Dallas’ free throw, field goal, and three-point shooting remained ice cold. The two teams traded baskets, which didn’t help Dallas’ cause. Minnesota won 118-105 in regulation.

Next Steps

The Mavericks will host the Charlotte Hornets in the second game of a two-game homestand on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Central. The Mavericks’ offensive game plan can create space to shoot three-pointers while finding gaps in the Hornets’ defense, allowing them to take control of the scoring game and potentially secure a win.

The Timberwolves will return home to host the Oklahoma City Thunder in a one-game tilt on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Central. The Timberwolves can pull off an upset by improving their ball security, changing the offensive mindset to match the Thunder’s defensive approach, and executing effective strategies.