Timberwolves Crush Short-Handed Mavericks 120-96 in Minneapolis

On a cold Monday night in Minneapolis, the Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t just beat the Dallas Mavericks—they dismantled them. The final score, 120-96, didn’t tell the whole story. The Target Center was electric, the crowd roaring as Minnesota turned a tight first quarter into a blowout by halftime—and then turned up the heat in the third. This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. And it came on November 17, 2025, during a stretch where the Timberwolves are playing their best basketball of the season.

Early Dominance Sets the Tone

The Timberwolves came out firing. They scored 34 points in the first quarter, matching their highest opening frame of the season. Meanwhile, the Mavericks, already dealing with injuries, looked sluggish. With Daniel Gafford out due to an ankle sprain, Dereck Lively II sidelined for knee management, and Anthony Davis still recovering from a lingering hamstring issue, Dallas was down three of its top big men. Rookie Moussa Cissé got his first NBA start, but the mismatch was obvious from the tip-off.

By halftime, Minnesota led 61-44. The Mavericks had made just 9 of their 27 field goals. Their offense looked like a broken clock—occasionally ticking, never on time. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves moved the ball with purpose, finding open shooters and punishing mismatches inside. Naz Reid was the engine. He finished with a season-high 22 points, 12 rebounds, and three three-pointers—the best game of his career, according to ESPN analysts. His presence in the paint forced Dallas to collapse, opening lanes for everyone else.

The Third Quarter Explodes

Here’s the thing: the game was already in hand. But the third quarter? That’s when it became a coronation.

Mike McDaniels hit three straight three-pointers in under two minutes, turning a 17-point lead into a 30-point advantage. The crowd stood. The Mavericks’ bench sat in silence. At 85-55, the game was over. Dallas had no answer. No energy. No depth. Their bench, already thin, looked exhausted—this was their second game in 24 hours after an overtime win in Portland on Sunday.

Minnesota’s defense didn’t just hold them off—it suffocated them. The Mavericks shot just 30% from three (9-of-30), continuing their season-long slump. They entered the game with the second-worst three-point percentage in the NBA at 31.1%. On this night, they were worse. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves, despite shooting only 32% from deep (14-of-44), had more volume, more confidence, and more help from the paint.

Stars Shine, But Depth Wins

For Minnesota, it wasn’t just Reid. Rudy Gobert added 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, controlling the rim like a veteran guardian. His presence allowed the perimeter players to fly without fear of help defense. Anthony Edwards quietly had 18 points and 7 assists, orchestrating the offense with calm efficiency.

For Dallas, the bright spots were fleeting. Jaden Hardy scored 17 points, hitting four threes—his best performance since being traded from Sacramento. Cooper Flagg, the 19-year-old rookie, showed flashes of brilliance with 15 points and 2 assists in just his second NBA game. Brandon Williams chipped in 15 points and 5 rebounds. But none of it mattered. Not against a team that’s now won five of their last six games.

What This Means for Both Teams

The Timberwolves are no longer a team flirting with contention. They’re building momentum. With this win, they improved to 9-5, and their home record at Target Center is now 4-3. They’ve won four straight—two on the road against Utah and Sacramento, two at home. Their defense has tightened. Their ball movement has improved. And Reid? He’s no longer just a sixth man. He’s a starter-caliber force.

For Dallas? This loss drops them to 4-11 overall and 1-4 on the road. Their injury list is becoming a crisis. Gafford’s ankle, Lively’s knee, Davis’s hamstring—it’s not just depth. It’s identity. Without those three, they’ve lost their defensive backbone. They’re relying on young players to do jobs they’re not ready for. And it’s showing.

Coach Jason Kidd said after the game, “We’re not making excuses. But we’re not built for this.” He’s right. They need bodies. They need rest. And they need time.

What’s Next?

Both teams face each other again on Wednesday night—but not against each other. The Mavericks host the New York Knicks at American Airlines Center in Dallas. The Timberwolves welcome the Washington Wizards back to Target Center. Minnesota’s homestand continues. Dallas? They’re in a tailspin.

And here’s the twist: the Timberwolves have played six of their last seven games at home. They’re 5-2 in that stretch. If they keep this up, they’re not just playoff-bound—they’re a dark horse in the West.