Julius Randle scored 31 points to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 118-105 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night at American Airlines Center.
Naz Reid added 23 points off the bench, while Anthony Edwards finished with 20 as Minnesota won its second straight game after a five-game losing streak earlier this month.
The Timberwolves shot 46 percent from the field and led for nearly the entire night, trailing for only 26 seconds against a depleted Dallas roster.
Randle was efficient throughout, finishing 12-of-21 from the floor and a perfect 7-of-7 at the free-throw line. The veteran forward has now scored at least 21 points in 11 of his last 12 games against his hometown team.
Minnesota opened the game with steady offensive execution and built a double-digit lead in the second quarter behind balanced scoring and defensive pressure.
Dallas trimmed a 16-point deficit to eight late in the third quarter, but Reid answered with a three-pointer that sparked a 12-3 Minnesota run to close the period.
The Timberwolves entered the fourth quarter firmly in control and pushed the lead back to double figures early. Reid followed with a short jumper and another three to extend the margin to 106-91.
Reid finished with eight rebounds and three steals, giving Minnesota a lift on both ends as the bench outscored Dallas’ reserves.
Jaden McDaniels and Donte DiVincenzo combined to apply perimeter pressure, helping the Timberwolves force 17 turnovers and collect 15 steals.
Minnesota improved to 29-19 and remained sixth in the Western Conference standings, staying within nine games of conference-leading Oklahoma City.
The Mavericks were without rookie No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, who sat out for left ankle injury management on the first night of a back-to-back. Flagg had appeared in the previous three games after missing time with an ankle sprain.
Dallas also played without Klay Thompson due to left knee soreness and Anthony Davis because of a hand injury. Kyrie Irving has yet to play this season after tearing his ACL last March.
P.J. Washington Jr. led the Mavericks with 21 points, all scored in the second half. Naji Marshall added 18, and Brandon Williams contributed 17 off the bench.
Max Christie finished with nine points on 1-of-8 shooting, snapping a four-game streak of 20-point performances. Dallas struggled at the free-throw line, shooting 26-of-39 overall.
The Mavericks fell to 19-28 and remained 11th in the Western Conference as injuries continued to impact lineup continuity.
Both teams complete back-to-backs at home Thursday night. Minnesota hosts Oklahoma City, while Dallas welcomes Charlotte.
