Kyrie Irving turned up the heat in Minneapolis on Tuesday night, scoring 35 points on 13-of-23 shooting as the Dallas Mavericks held off the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-114 in a thrilling game that saw momentum swing wildly in the final minutes. With Dallas securing its second consecutive win, Irving’s performance reminded fans why he remains one of the league’s most electric players.
Luka Doncic provided a crucial 24 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists, combining with Irving to guide Dallas through a strong Timberwolves comeback attempt. For Minnesota, Anthony Edwards put on a scoring clinic of his own, tallying 37 points in a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful effort.
Irving Takes Charge in the Clutch
Throughout the game, Kyrie Irving’s scoring seemed unstoppable. His ability to navigate Minnesota’s defense and sink high-pressure shots kept Dallas in control, especially as the Timberwolves tried to rally late in the fourth quarter.
The Timberwolves, led by Edwards’ 37 points, closed in to trail by just two points with a little over four minutes remaining, but Irving responded by hitting a clutch three-pointer, pushing the Mavericks’ lead to 112-107. His poise in the final minutes proved crucial in withstanding Minnesota’s tenacious defense.
Luka Doncic, who logged 24 points, played an equally important role, adding eight rebounds and nine assists. His deep three-pointer with just over a minute to play built Dallas’ lead to eight, essentially sealing the Timberwolves’ fate.
Timberwolves’ Rally Falls Short
Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves’ dynamic young star, led all scorers with 37 points on an efficient 12-of-20 shooting. Edwards’ scoring spree kept Minnesota competitive, especially as he heated up early, posting 24 points in the first half alone. However, despite his strong outing and a late surge by the Timberwolves, turnovers hindered Minnesota’s chance at securing the win.
Julius Randle provided additional firepower for Minnesota, finishing with 20 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, while Naz Reid added 14 points and nine rebounds off the bench. Minnesota pulled within two points late, but costly errors in possession gave Dallas the breathing room they needed. By the final buzzer, the Timberwolves had committed 20 turnovers—twice as many as Dallas—which ultimately proved too much to overcome.
Key Moments: Irving and Doncic Take Control in Final Stretch
The game’s turning point came when Minnesota managed to close the gap to just two points with a 20-10 scoring run, sparked by an offensive rebound and two free throws from Rudy Gobert. But Irving quickly responded with a three-pointer, and Doncic followed suit with his own deep three from 32 feet out, extending Dallas’ lead to eight points.
In the closing seconds, Edwards managed to trim the Mavericks’ lead with a three-pointer, bringing Minnesota within four. However, Dallas remained composed, keeping the Timberwolves at bay for the final possession and securing the victory.
- Key Takeaways:
- Irving’s 35-point performance highlights his offensive firepower and ability to take over in high-stakes moments.
- The Timberwolves’ 20 turnovers became the game’s decisive factor, creating a gap that no amount of late-game hustle could close.
- Doncic’s 24-point contribution and timely three-pointer provided essential support for Dallas, showing their depth in star power.
Timberwolves Start Strong but Falter After Halftime
The Timberwolves opened with intensity, building a 10-point lead early in the first half. Naz Reid’s three-pointer put Minnesota ahead 42-32 with 8:46 left in the second quarter, and the Timberwolves appeared poised to control the pace. Edwards, in particular, was nearly unstoppable, scoring all 24 of his first-half points in the first quarter alone.
Yet, the Mavericks countered with a 29-17 run, grabbing a slim two-point lead as halftime approached. Daniel Gafford, another key contributor for Dallas, capped the first half with a go-ahead layup, giving the Mavericks a 61-59 edge heading into the break.
Despite solid shooting from both sides—each hitting over 50% from the floor—the Timberwolves struggled to hold onto their lead as Dallas found their rhythm, closing the second quarter with strong ball movement and timely defense.
Mavericks Close Out on Strong Third Quarter Run
Entering the third quarter with a narrow lead, Dallas gradually widened the gap. The Mavericks’ offensive cohesion showed as Spencer Dinwiddie and Quentin Grimes drained back-to-back three-pointers to launch a 19-9 run, giving Dallas a double-digit lead at the end of the quarter. By the close of the third, the Mavericks were up 93-82, setting up a final quarter where Minnesota would have to dig deep to keep up.
The Timberwolves did manage to narrow the deficit to two, largely thanks to Edwards and a solid bench performance from Naz Reid. But each time Minnesota appeared to gain ground, Dallas responded with timely shots. Irving’s steady hand, combined with Doncic’s playmaking, ensured that the Mavericks maintained their lead in the crucial closing moments.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Dallas and Minnesota?
This win brings Dallas to a solid position early in the season, marking their second victory in as many nights and signaling a strong start for the Mavericks’ campaign. With Irving and Doncic both finding their form, Dallas seems poised to make noise in the Western Conference.
Minnesota, on the other hand, will need to address the turnover issue that plagued them throughout the game. Despite Edwards’ standout performance and solid contributions from Randle and Reid, the Timberwolves struggled to maintain control, allowing Dallas to capitalize on lost possessions.
Dallas will aim to continue its streak as they build around the chemistry between Irving and Doncic. Meanwhile, Minnesota will focus on limiting turnovers and maximizing the skills of their young star Edwards, who showed flashes of brilliance but will need more support from his teammates to secure wins in tight contests like this one.