Timberwolves Top Short-Handed Mavericks As Randle Shines

On Wednesday night in Dallas, the Minnesota Timberwolves took full advantage of a depleted Mavericks squad, rolling to a 118-105 victory that showcased the depth and firepower of their roster. The win marks Minnesota’s second straight after enduring their longest losing streak of the season, a five-game slide that had cast some doubt on the Western Conference contender’s momentum. But with Julius Randle leading the way and Naz Reid providing a spark off the bench, the Timberwolves looked every bit the part of a team eager to get back on track.

Julius Randle was the star of the show, pouring in 31 points on an efficient 12-of-21 shooting night and converting all seven of his free throw attempts. Randle’s dominance was evident from the opening tip, as he tallied at least 21 points for the 11th time in his past 12 meetings against his hometown Mavericks. His ability to score at all levels kept Dallas on its heels, and his timely baskets helped stave off every Mavericks run.

"Randle was just relentless tonight," one observer noted, reflecting a sentiment echoed throughout the American Airlines Center. Whenever Dallas threatened to close the gap, Randle responded with poise and precision, whether by attacking the rim or knocking down mid-range jumpers. He added five rebounds and four assists to his stat line, providing the all-around impact Minnesota needed on a night when their leading scorer, Anthony Edwards, played a supporting role.

Edwards, who has been enjoying the best scoring season of his young career—averaging 29.7 points per game on impressive 49.9% shooting from the field and 41.0% from three—finished with 20 points, six rebounds, and six assists. He shot 6-of-17 from the floor, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc, and hit five of his six free throws. Though not his highest-scoring outing, Edwards’ presence was felt on both ends, and his three steals helped fuel Minnesota’s transition game. In January, Edwards has been on a tear from deep, making 41 of 93 three-point attempts (44.1%) and averaging over four made threes per contest. That shooting touch was on display again, as he drained three triples to keep Dallas honest defensively.

Naz Reid was the difference-maker off the bench, tallying 23 points, eight rebounds, and three steals. His energy, particularly in the third quarter, proved vital. When Dallas trimmed a 16-point Timberwolves lead to just eight late in the third, it was Reid who stepped up, hitting a three-pointer to ignite a 12-3 run that restored Minnesota’s double-digit cushion. Reid’s contributions didn’t stop there—he added timely rebounds and played solid defense, helping the Timberwolves weather Dallas’ late pushes.

For a Timberwolves team that had been searching for answers following their five-game skid, the return to form was a welcome sight. The offense clicked, with Minnesota shooting 45.7% from the field and knocking down 12 of 34 three-point attempts (35.3%). They shared the ball well, racking up 26 assists, and their defense forced 17 Dallas turnovers, converting those mistakes into transition opportunities.

On the other side, the Mavericks entered the contest severely shorthanded. Rookie sensation and No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg was held out for left ankle injury management, while sharpshooter Klay Thompson missed the game with left knee soreness. Dallas was already without 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis, who remains sidelined by a hand injury, and star guard Kyrie Irving, who hasn’t played all season due to a torn ACL suffered last March. The absences left the Mavericks scrambling for scoring and leadership, and it showed—especially in their perimeter shooting, where they went just 3-of-18 as a team (16.7%).

P.J. Washington Jr. did his best to keep Dallas competitive, scoring all 21 of his points in the second half. His aggressive drives and mid-range jumpers sparked brief Mavericks rallies, but ultimately, the deficit proved too much to overcome. Naji Marshall added 18 points, and Brandon Williams chipped in 17, but the Mavericks simply couldn’t keep pace with Minnesota’s balanced attack. Max Christie, who had been on a hot streak with four consecutive 20-point games, was held to just nine points on a tough 1-of-8 shooting night. While he did manage to go 7-of-8 from the free-throw line, his struggles from the field mirrored the Mavericks’ overall offensive woes.

Despite their injury troubles, Dallas fought valiantly, trimming the Timberwolves’ lead to single digits late in the third. But each time the Mavericks threatened, Minnesota responded—first with Reid’s clutch three-pointer, then with a series of timely stops and transition buckets. The Timberwolves led for all but 26 seconds of the contest, never allowing Dallas to seize the momentum for long.

Rebounding was a battle throughout, with Dallas actually out-boarding Minnesota 65-53, including 14 offensive rebounds. However, those extra possessions rarely translated into points, as the Mavericks shot just 45.2% from the field and missed 13 free throws (26-of-39, 66.7%). Minnesota’s defense, keyed by Randle, Edwards, and Rudy Gobert (who added six points, six rebounds, and two blocks), forced Dallas into tough looks and capitalized on their mistakes.

Looking at the bigger picture, this win helps the Timberwolves regain some much-needed confidence as they head into the second night of a back-to-back against Oklahoma City. With Randle, Edwards, and Reid all contributing, Minnesota appears poised to put their recent slump behind them. As for Dallas, the loss drops them to 19-28, and with so many key players still out, the road ahead remains daunting. The Mavericks will try to regroup quickly as they return home to face Charlotte in the next leg of their back-to-back.

For Minnesota, the victory not only snapped their losing streak but also highlighted the versatility and resilience of their roster. Randle’s scoring outburst, Edwards’ all-around play, and Reid’s bench heroics sent a clear message: when healthy and clicking, the Timberwolves can compete with anyone in the West. Dallas, meanwhile, will hope to get healthier soon, as the grind of the NBA season shows no mercy for teams lacking depth.

In the end, Wednesday night belonged to the Timberwolves. They seized control early, weathered every Dallas run, and finished strong. With their stars shining and their supporting cast stepping up, Minnesota is once again trending in the right direction as the season heats up.