Anthony Edwards returned to Target Center with his All-Star Game MVP trophy and delivered another statement, pouring in 40 points to lift the Minnesota Timberwolves past the Dallas Mavericks 122-111 on Friday night.
The All-Star guard recorded his eighth 40-point game of the season and scored 14 in the fourth quarter, steadying Minnesota after Dallas erased a 17-point first-half deficit.
The Timberwolves led for 36 minutes and 32 seconds before Tyus Jones tied the game at 103 on a floater with 6:55 remaining, capping a 12-2 run for the visitors. Edwards answered with a step-back 3-pointer on the next possession, and Naz Reid followed with another triple less than a minute later to regain control.
Minnesota never trailed again, executing late through its primary scorer and spacing the floor with timely shooting. The home team finished 47-for-100 from the field and hit 16 of 42 from beyond the arc.
Edwards shot 16-for-30 overall and 5-for-13 from 3-point range while adding six rebounds. He consistently attacked switches and created separation off the dribble when the game tightened.
Rudy Gobert anchored the interior with 22 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks on 9-for-11 shooting. Naz Reid contributed 21 points off the bench, including four 3-pointers, as Minnesota improved to 36-22 and strengthened its hold on sixth place in the Western Conference.
The Wolves opened 8-for-13 from deep and scored 40 points in the first quarter. They built a 17-point cushion late in the second before a sluggish start to the third allowed Dallas back into the game.
Julius Randle finished with 13 points on 4-for-16 shooting, but Minnesota compensated with a 54-46 rebounding edge and 28 assists. The Timberwolves also recorded eight blocks and 17 offensive boards, generating second-chance opportunities when half-court sets stalled.
Dallas dropped its 10th straight game, the franchise’s longest losing streak in 28 years, and fell to 20-36. The Mavericks shot 41-for-97 overall and 8-for-25 from 3-point range despite 21 made free throws.
Khris Middleton led the way with 18 points and seven rebounds. Marvin Bagley III added 15 points and 13 rebounds off the bench, and Jones chipped in 13 points and six assists.
The Mavericks were without rookie Cooper Flagg for a second consecutive game due to a sprained foot. Max Christie missed the contest with an ankle injury, while Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively remain sidelined for the season.
Gobert was assessed a flagrant foul in the second quarter, triggering an automatic one-game suspension based on his season total.
Dallas continues its road swing Sunday at Indiana, while Minnesota hosts Philadelphia at Target Center.
