Timberwolves Crush Mavericks 120-96 in Dominant Home Win on November 17, 2025
The Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t just beat the Dallas Mavericks — they dismantled them. On Monday, November 17, 2025, at Target Center in Minneapolis, the Timberwolves rolled to a 120-96 victory, turning what was expected to be a competitive Western Conference clash into a statement performance. With the win, Minnesota improved to 9-5 on the season, while Dallas sank to a dismal 4-11, further deepening concerns about their playoff hopes. The game wasn’t close after the first quarter — and by the third, it was over.
A First Quarter Statement
The Timberwolves came out like a team with something to prove. They opened with a 34-point explosion in the opening 12 minutes, outscoring Dallas 34-21. The key? Defense turned into transition. Every Mavericks turnover became a fast break dunk or open three. Naz Reid, wearing #11, was everywhere — scoring 12 points in the quarter alone, including two threes, while Rudy Gobert locked down the paint with three blocks and five rebounds. By the time the clock hit 4:06 in the first, Minnesota had gone on a 17-4 run that left the Mavericks stunned. The crowd roared. The energy shifted. And Dallas never recovered.
The Third Quarter Blowout
If the first quarter was a warning, the third was the hammer. With Minnesota leading 47-46 at the start of the third, they unleashed a 19-4 run over 5 minutes and 50 seconds. The sequence started with a Gobert alley-oop, followed by three straight threes from Anthony Edwards and Jaden Hardy’s defensive lapse. By the time the Mavericks called timeout at 10:42, the score was 66-46 — a 20-point deficit. The Mavericks looked exhausted. Their rotations were slow. Their shots were rushed. Even their bench, which had been their lifeline earlier in the season, looked out of sync. Meanwhile, Reid added another 10 points in the quarter, finishing with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and three three-pointers — his best game of the season.
Who Stepped Up? The Numbers Don’t Lie
Minnesota’s depth was the difference. Beyond Reid and Gobert (15 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists), Anthony Edwards added 18 points and 6 assists, while D’Angelo Russell quietly orchestrated the offense with 14 points and 10 assists — his first double-double of the season. The Timberwolves had six players score in double figures. Their bench outscored Dallas’s 41-22. Meanwhile, Dallas’s offense looked disjointed. Jaden Hardy led the Mavs with 17 points and three threes, but he shot just 6-for-17. Cooper Flagg and Brandon Williams each had 15 points, but neither could create consistent offense. The Mavericks shot 41% from the field and a dismal 28% from three. They turned the ball over 18 times. Minnesota turned those into 24 points.
Betting Lines and the Reality Check
The spread? Minnesota by 15. The over/under? 232.5 points. The result? The Timberwolves covered by 24 points. The under hit by 16.5 points. For bettors, this was a textbook win for Minnesota and a disaster for those who took Dallas or the over. The odds told the story before tip-off: a $943 bet on Minnesota returned $1,043, while a $100 bet on Dallas paid $728 — a sign of how little confidence oddsmakers had in the Mavericks. And yet, even those numbers didn’t capture how one-sided this was. This wasn’t just a win. It was a demolition.
What This Means for Both Teams
For Minnesota, this win cements them as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference. At 9-5, they’re tied for fourth in the West and have now won four of their last five games. Their defense, ranked 10th in the league, is improving. Their offense, once too reliant on Edwards, is now balanced — and that’s terrifying for the rest of the conference.
For Dallas? This loss is another red flag. At 4-11, they’re on pace for their worst season since 2019. Their starting lineup is aging. Their young core — Hardy, Flagg, Williams — is talented but inconsistent. They’re 27th in defensive rating. They’re 24th in assist-to-turnover ratio. And they’re now 0-5 against teams with winning records this season. The question isn’t whether they’ll miss the playoffs — it’s whether they’ll even stay in the conversation for a play-in spot.
What’s Next?
The Timberwolves host the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, November 19, looking to extend their winning streak. The Mavericks travel to Phoenix to face the Suns on Friday — a matchup that could decide whether they’re sellers or buyers at the trade deadline. Dallas needs answers. Fast. Minnesota? They’re building something. And this game might just be the moment everyone started to notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Naz Reid’s performance impact the game?
Naz Reid’s 22-point, 12-rebound outing was the catalyst for Minnesota’s offensive flow. His ability to stretch the floor with three three-pointers forced Dallas’s big men out of the paint, opening driving lanes for Edwards and Russell. His defense also neutralized Dallas’s interior threats, helping Minnesota hold the Mavericks to just 40 points in the paint — 15 below their season average.
Why did the Mavericks struggle so badly on defense?
Dallas’s defense collapsed due to poor rotations and lack of communication. They failed to close out on shooters, especially on the perimeter, and allowed Minnesota to shoot 48% from three. Their lack of rim protection — especially without Kristaps Porziņģis — left the Timberwolves free to attack the basket. The Mavericks’ defensive rating dropped to 122.4 for the game, their worst of the season.
What does this result mean for the Western Conference standings?
The win pushes Minnesota into the top four of the West, tying them with the Lakers and Suns. It also widens the gap between them and the Mavericks, who now sit 11th — three games behind the 8th seed. With only 28 games left, Dallas’s playoff math is nearly impossible unless they win 15 of their next 17 — a near-impossible feat given their current form.
Were there any injuries that affected the game?
Dallas was without Kristaps Porziņģis (knee) and Kyrie Irving (rest), which severely limited their offensive versatility and rim protection. Minnesota was at full strength, with all key players available. The absence of Porziņģis, in particular, made it impossible for Dallas to match Minnesota’s size and spacing, especially in the crucial third quarter.
How does this game compare to past matchups between these teams?
This was Minnesota’s largest margin of victory over Dallas since 2022, when they won by 28 points. Historically, the Mavericks have dominated this rivalry, winning 14 of the last 18 meetings. But this game marks a turning point — Minnesota has now won three of the last four, and the tide may be shifting as the Timberwolves’ young core matures while Dallas’s core ages.
What’s the biggest takeaway for NBA analysts?
The biggest takeaway? Minnesota has evolved from a one-star team into a true contender. Their depth, defensive discipline, and balanced scoring make them dangerous in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Dallas’s struggles aren’t just about injuries — they’re systemic. Without a clear identity or coaching adjustment, their season could unravel completely by January.
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