The Minnesota Timberwolves delivered a commanding performance on Monday night, cruising to a 120 – 96 win over the Dallas loners at the Target Center.
The result strengthens Minnesota’s early-season form as they move to 9 – 5, while Dallas continues to slip, now sitting at 4 – 11.
This NBA tourney may not have been billed as a classic, but suckers were treated to a lively contest with a plenitude of name moments, despite the final periphery.
Warm Reunion Before Tip-Off
Before the action got afoot, there was a brief but cheerful moment as Anthony Edwards caught up with former teammate D’Angelo Russell, who played in Minnesota from 2020 to 2023. Their friendly exchange set a relaxed tone before what would come as a veritable one-sided hassle.
Minnesota’s starting five consisted of Donte DiVincenzo, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert, with Terrence Shannon Jr. missing due to a bottom injury.
The loners arrived significantly depleted, missing several crucial players, including Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, Dante Exum, and Ryan Nembhard.
Their acclimated lineup featured Brandon Williams, Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, PJ Washington, and Moussa Cisse, who earned his first NBA launch.
Timberwolves vs Mavericks: Match Recap & Key Moments
The opening twinkles were cagey, but Dallas managed to find an early stimulant when Moussa Cisse fought for a loose ball and scored his first points as a starter. Minnesota responded through DiVincenzo, who lifted the crowd with a deep three-pointer.
Anthony Edwards today highlights vs. Mavericks:
13 POINTS
4 REBOUNDS
3 ASSISTSTimberwolves won against Mavericks 120-96 ✅ pic.twitter.com/jnDqsO0qn9
— DV highlights (@DVhighlights) November 18, 2025
By the end of the first quarter, the Timberwolves were already in control, leading 34–21.
Naz Reid Takes Over Before Half-Time
The second quarter offered a near replay of the first. PJ Washington hit a three for Dallas, but Minnesota’s Naz Reid quickly stole the spotlight.
Reid powered to the handbasket with a forceful immerse and looked impregnable on offense. He closed the half with 19 points, helping Minnesota head into the break with a 61 – 44 advantage.
Third Quarter Surge Seals the Deal
Still, Minnesota snappily put that to rest if the loners had hoped for a comeback. Jaden McDaniels stayed perfect from deep, hitting his third three-pointer without a miss.
Minnesota stretched its lead to an inviting 98 – 66 at the end of the third quarter, effectively ending the contest before the fourth began.
Comfortable Finish for Minnesota
The Timberwolves hit the 100-point mark beforehand in the final quarter. Dallas picked up the pace late on, but nowhere came near to closing the gap.
The Wolves maintained full control and wrapped up a straightforward 120 – 96 palm, extending their strong home form and showcasing their depth and protective strength.
This NBA regular-season clash corroborated Minnesota’s growing character as a platoon able to overpower opponents with harmonious pressure and effective firing, while Dallas’ expansive list of injuries continues to pose a risk.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
They will finish their three-game homestand on Wednesday at 700 p.m. Central, hosting the Washington Wizards. The game will be shown on FDSN.
The loners head back to Texas to begin a three-game homestand, facing the New York Knicks on Wednesday at 830 p.m. Central. This institution will be broadcast on ESPN.
