Kyrie Irving delivered a powerful performance, scoring 35 points as the Dallas Mavericks (3-1) overcame the Minnesota Timberwolves (2-2) with a 120-114 victory. Irving, who scored 16 of his points in the third quarter alone, guided the Mavericks to the win, making crucial plays down the stretch.
Luka Doncic also played a pivotal role, contributing 24 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds while shaking off a recent shooting slump. Doncic sealed the game with a deep three-pointer from 33 feet out with just over a minute left, pushing Dallas’ lead to eight points and energizing the crowd.
Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards led all scorers with 37 points, 24 of which came in a record-setting first quarter at Target Center. Edwards connected on seven of his 13 three-point attempts, yet struggled from the free-throw line, going 6-for-12, which hindered the Timberwolves’ chances in the game.
P.J. Washington provided solid support for Dallas, contributing 17 points and eight rebounds, while playing well on both ends of the court. Dallas, playing on back-to-back nights following a win over the Utah Jazz, showcased their defensive intensity, racking up 12 steals that led to scoring opportunities.
Julius Randle added a balanced effort for the Timberwolves with 20 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, but Minnesota’s 20 turnovers proved costly as Dallas capitalized for 25 points.
Minnesota initially looked poised for a different result, jumping to an early lead behind Edwards’ dynamic start. However, the Mavericks adjusted their defense after the first quarter, managing to stymie Edwards’ rhythm in the later periods, which helped swing the momentum in Dallas’ favor.
Dallas improves to a solid early-season record, with Irving and Doncic continuing to prove their synergy as a high-scoring duo in the Western Conference. The Mavericks’ defensive activity, highlighted by contributions from Dereck Lively II and Spencer Dinwiddie off the bench, also played a key role in securing their second win in consecutive nights.
