In a thrilling Western Conference Finals rematch, the Dallas Mavericks outlasted the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 120-114 victory on Tuesday night, thanks largely to Kyrie Irving’s impressive 35-point performance and a late-game surge from Luka Doncic. The showdown, hosted at Minnesota’s Target Center, marked the first encounter between the two teams since their 2023 conference battle, and it didn’t disappoint. Irving scored 16 of his 35 points in a pivotal third quarter, helping the Mavericks regain momentum after a scorching start by Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards.
Irving Dominates as Doncic Finds Late-Game Rhythm
Irving’s contributions proved essential, especially given Doncic’s recent shooting slump. On Tuesday night, the All-Star point guard drilled six three-pointers on eight attempts, his accuracy from beyond the arc providing a critical edge for Dallas. As the Timberwolves made a push late in the fourth quarter, Irving responded with a clutch three-pointer over Julius Randle with just 2:31 remaining, extending the Mavericks’ lead and helping to put the game out of reach. Irving’s ability to perform in high-pressure moments underscored his value to the Mavericks, balancing Doncic’s playmaking with his elite scoring.
LOGO LUKA
Puts the Mavs up 8 late on TNT! pic.twitter.com/R0wtyukhY2
— NBA (@NBA) October 30, 2024
Doncic, meanwhile, had a rough shooting night but stepped up when it mattered most, scoring five of his 24 points in the final minutes. His deep 33-foot three-pointer with 1:04 left effectively sealed the game, extending Dallas’ lead to eight and punctuating his performance. Despite going 1 for 8 from three-point range, Doncic added nine assists and eight rebounds, showcasing his versatility and basketball IQ.
Anthony Edwards Sets Target Center Record
The Timberwolves had an explosive start, courtesy of Anthony Edwards, who set a Target Center record with 24 first-quarter points. Edwards shot 7 for 13 from three-point range overall and finished the game with a season-high 37 points. However, his performance cooled in the latter quarters, as Dallas’ defensive adjustments forced the Timberwolves to turn over the ball 20 times. Minnesota’s miscues proved costly, leading to 25 points for the Mavericks and ultimately hindering their ability to close the gap.
Edwards’ prolific first quarter saw him attacking Dallas’s defense with skillful maneuvers, including a graceful Eurostep to open the scoring. Although he struggled at the free-throw line, hitting just six of twelve attempts, his outside shooting and early-game momentum set the tone for Minnesota and demonstrated his potential as one of the league’s elite scorers. Edwards’ five-plus three-pointers in each of the Timberwolves’ four games this season now stands as the longest streak in franchise history.
RELATED ARTICLES:
- Boston Celtics Tie NBA Record with 29 3-Pointers in Dominant Win Over New York Knicks
- Short-Handed Warriors Rally from 20-Point Deficit to Stun Pelicans 124-106, Buddy Hield with another Standout Performance
- Standout Performances, Surprising Struggles, and Major Takeaways from the First Week of the 2024-25 NBA Season
Key Contributions from Dallas Role Players
P.J. Washington’s presence on both ends of the floor was invaluable for the Mavericks. Washington contributed 17 points and eight rebounds, helping Dallas secure second-chance points and providing a solid defensive presence in the paint. His efforts, along with those of reserve guard Lindy Waters III, who added 21 points and eight rebounds, were instrumental in keeping Dallas competitive even as Doncic struggled from the field. Washington’s consistency is shaping him into a reliable support player for Dallas, and his defensive hustle created essential plays that helped disrupt Minnesota’s rhythm.
The Mavericks, playing the second game of a back-to-back after their win against Utah on Monday night, looked sharp defensively, logging 12 steals. Their active defense limited Minnesota’s scoring opportunities, and they forced enough turnovers to maintain control of the game in the second half. This high-energy defensive effort allowed Dallas to turn a 20-point deficit into a win, marking an important early-season statement for a team with championship aspirations.
Minnesota’s Missed Opportunities
In addition to Edwards’ high-scoring performance, the Timberwolves received solid efforts from Julius Randle, who posted 20 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, and Brandon Ingram, who added 14 points and eight rebounds. Despite these individual contributions, Minnesota’s 20 turnovers proved detrimental. The Timberwolves’ ball-handling issues, particularly in transition, were exploited by Dallas’ aggressive defense, which translated those mistakes into fast-break points.
NBA STANDINGS UPDATE
▪️ DAL & GSW move to 3-1
▪️ DEN & SAC improve to 2-2Download the NBA App for more ⤵️https://t.co/wV1YsrFUXw pic.twitter.com/KPzbWn9MYm
— NBA (@NBA) October 30, 2024
The Timberwolves’ fatigue seemed apparent, with lapses in focus and sloppy stretches that disrupted their offensive rhythm. Although Edwards’ early burst kept them competitive, Dallas’s adjustments and Minnesota’s inability to capitalize on key possessions allowed the Mavericks to control the second half. In a telling sequence late in the third quarter, the Timberwolves managed to trim Dallas’s lead to just two points, but Irving’s timely three-pointer shifted momentum back in favor of the Mavericks, underscoring Minnesota’s missed opportunity to regain control.
Key Stats and Takeaways
The Mavericks’ efficiency from three-point range, particularly from Irving and Waters, helped them outscore the Timberwolves 63-27 from beyond the arc. Irving’s six three-pointers were a game-changer, while Dallas’s overall shooting accuracy provided a solid foundation for their comeback. The Mavericks also dominated the turnover battle, with Minnesota’s 20 giveaways turning into 25 points for Dallas.
One of the key takeaways for the Timberwolves is Edwards’ shooting form; he has now made at least five three-pointers in each of the first four games, establishing a new team record. Despite the loss, Edwards’ scoring prowess remains a bright spot for Minnesota as they work to reduce turnovers and improve decision-making.
What’s Next
The Mavericks, who improved to 4-1 with the win, will return to Dallas to host the Houston Rockets on Thursday night, looking to build on the momentum from back-to-back victories. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, aim to bounce back as they prepare to host the Denver Nuggets on Friday.
Both teams will take valuable lessons from this intense early-season matchup. For the Mavericks, Irving’s performance and their defensive intensity proved pivotal, while the Timberwolves will seek to address their turnover issues and capitalize on the high-caliber play of Edwards and Randle as they move forward in the season.
