Irving’s Scoring Surge, Dončić’s Dagger Lift Mavericks Past Timberwolves in Playoff-Level Showdown

Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić lead the Mavericks to a gritty 120-114 win over the Timberwolves in a Western Finals rematch. Key takeaways, stats, and what’s next for Dallas.

Photo via Dallas Mavericks

MINNEAPOLIS — In their first meeting since last season’s Western Conference Finals, the Dallas Mavericks edged the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-114 in a playoff-like battle at Target Center. Despite early shooting struggles and injury scares, Dallas pulled ahead with a late surge, led by Kyrie Irving’s third-quarter scoring burst and Luka Dončić’s game-clinching three-pointer. The win lifted the Mavs to 3-1 on the season, sweeping a back-to-back that began with a home victory over the Utah Jazz.

Irving finished with 35 points on 13-of-23 shooting, including 6-of-8 from three-point range. His 25-point second half flipped the momentum for Dallas after a tight first half, keeping them in control through key moments down the stretch. Dončić, despite shooting woes, contributed 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists, sealing the game with a 33-foot three-pointer in the final minute. He overcame shooting just 10-of-27 from the floor and 1-of-8 from deep to make the pivotal play.

The Mavericks’ frontcourt also delivered. P.J. Washington added 17 points, 8 rebounds (4 offensive), and 3 steals, providing physicality on both ends. Daniel Gafford was perfect from the field with 14 points on 6-of-6 shooting, while rookie Dereck Lively II anchored the paint with 9 rebounds, 5 points, 3 steals, and a block, showcasing his defensive impact. Klay Thompson totaled 7 points on 2-of-7 shooting from deep. However, Quentin Grimes stepped up after coming off the bench with 9 points, while Naji Marshall added 4 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Anthony Edwards scored 24 of his 37 points for Minnesota in the first quarter, shooting 7-of-13 from deep, but Dallas adjusted in the second half. Rudy Gobert contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Julius Randle added 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists as the Timberwolves kept the game close.

Edwards’ Electric Start and Dallas’s Early Defensive Struggles