Anthony Edwards delivered 26 points, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a hard-fought 105-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Christmas Day.

The game took a dramatic turn when Mavericks star Luka Doncic exited in the second quarter due to a strained left calf.

Minnesota built a commanding 28-point lead late in the third quarter, but Dallas stormed back in the fourth, cutting the deficit to just two. Kyrie Irving spearheaded the Mavericks’ comeback with 39 points but missed a critical three-pointer in the final minute.

Julius Randle, in his first game in Dallas since being traded to Minnesota, contributed 23 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Rudy Gobert added a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Donte DiVincenzo scored 11 points off the bench, knocking down three crucial three-pointers.

Doncic scored 14 points in just 16 minutes before limping off the court. This was only his second game back after recovering from a left heel contusion. His absence was keenly felt, as the Mavericks struggled to match Minnesota’s defensive intensity.

The Timberwolves leaned on defense to snap a three-game skid, holding Dallas to 41.4% shooting and forcing 12 turnovers. Edwards fueled their offense with his versatility, hitting four three-pointers and grabbing eight rebounds.

Klay Thompson, who passed Reggie Miller for fifth on the NBA’s all-time three-pointers list, added 12 points for Dallas. Dereck Lively II chipped in six points and 10 rebounds, but the Mavericks’ supporting cast struggled to compensate for Dončić’s absence.

The Timberwolves’ bench provided a crucial spark, with Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker combining for 14 points. Minnesota also dominated the glass, securing 46 rebounds compared to Dallas’ 43.

Irving’s heroics kept Dallas in contention during the final minutes. His deep three-pointer brought the Mavericks within two, but Minnesota’s defense held firm. Randle and Gobert sealed the game with timely free throws and defensive stops.

Minnesota improved to 15-14, while Dallas fell to 19-11. The Timberwolves will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup as they aim to climb the Western Conference standings.