DALLAS — On Christmas Day, the Minnesota Timberwolves dealt the Dallas Mavericks what felt like a lump of coal, edging them out with a 105-99 victory. The game marked not only the joy of the holiday but also the disappointment of Mavericks fans as they watched their star player, Luka Dončić, exit due to injury.
The matchup, billed as a rematch of last year's Western Conference finals, began with high expectations. Early on, the Timberwolves established dominance, bursting to as much as a 28-point lead during the game. But the real dramatic turn unfolded midway through the second quarter when Dončić, the five-time All-Star, limped off the court with a strained left calf, casting a shadow over the Mavs' chances.
While the Timberwolves capitalized on Dončić's absence, Dallas made an impressive but futile comeback attempt. Led by Kyrie Irving, who poured in 39 points, the Mavericks nearly erased the entire deficit, cutting it down to just two points late in the game. Irving's efforts, unfortunately, were not enough after he missed a key three-pointer with just under a minute remaining.
Anthony Edwards shone for the Timberwolves, scoring 26 points and displaying leadership on the court. His performance, coupled with Rudy Gobert’s contributions of 14 points and 10 rebounds, allowed Minnesota to withstand the Mavericks’ late surge. Julius Randle also made his mark with 23 points, marking his first game against his hometown team since being traded from the New York Knicks.
The loss of Dončić was particularly concerning for the Mavericks, as it was the second time he had to leave due to injury this season. Previously sidelined with a left heel contusion, Dončić had only just returned to play. ESPN's Tim MacMahon highlighted the significance of the injury as Dončić's third calf strain of his career. The potential impact on his postseason eligibility looms large, with players normally needing to meet minimum game thresholds for individual accolades.
Despite their struggles this Christmas Day, the Mavericks showcased resilience, especially during the fourth quarter, managing to rally back to within two points. The fans watching the excitement surge must have felt both elation and frustration: the thrill of nearing victory against significant odds contrasted sharply with the absence of their superstar.
More than just another game, this matchup featured Klay Thompson, who, with four three-pointers, surpassed Reggie Miller for fifth place on the NBA’s all-time three-point list. His contributions, alongside his established legacy, took center stage briefly as the holiday festivities unfolded, drawing contrasts against the turmoil of Dončić's health concerns.
Following the game, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch voiced satisfaction with the win, albeit with reservations about the execution down the stretch. It’s clear they will need to refine their offensive strategies as the season progresses. It’s moments like these—a hard-fought game on Christmas—that bring clarity to the adjustments necessary for teams aiming for playoff contention. Despite their ups and downs, the Wolves emerged pleased with their ability to secure this win over another playoff-rival team.
Looking forward, both teams must come to terms with the realities presented by this game. For the Timberwolves, confidence surges from the hard-fought victory; for the Mavericks, clarity is needed to navigate the upcoming games without their marquee player. With the playoffs on the horizon, how well they adapt will be pivotal.
After this game, the Timberwolves will face the Houston Rockets on Friday, hoping to translate this hard-fought victory against Dallas to continued success on the court. The Mavericks will also face off against the Phoenix Suns on the same day, where they will be desperate to find their rhythm without Dončić’s pivotal presence.
