The Minnesota Timberwolves triumphed over the Dallas Mavericks with a score of 105-99 on Christmas Day, but not without significant drama, particularly concerning Mavericks star Luka Doncic. Edwards, who led the Timberwolves with 26 points, had a strong performance but the game's intensity stemmed from Doncic's unfortunate injury.
The highly anticipated clash between these two Western Conference powers held much promise as it served as a rematch of last season's Western Conference Finals won by Dallas—which added to the playoff atmosphere inside the American Airlines Center. The game kicked off relatively evenly, with the score at 26-24 after the first quarter. Unoctionally, it quickly shifted when, with 2:31 left on the clock before halftime, Doncic left the game after suffering what was diagnosed as a left calf strain midway through the second quarter. This marked yet another setback for Doncic, who had already missed two previous games with issues to his foot.
Doncic had been productive during his brief time on the court, netting 14 points along with five rebounds and two assists. Fans, who had come to expect high-scoring and competitive displays, could only watch with concern as their superstar limped off the court, exacerbated by his history of calf injuries. "I don't want to go as far as to suggest Luka's calf is cooked, but it's been a constant problem for nearly a full calendar year now," remarked one avid fan, capturing the anxiety brewing among the Mavericks' supporters.
With Doncic sidelined, the Mavericks faced the challenge of clawing back from a steep deficit. The Timberwolves had established their dominance on the scoreboard, leading by as much as 28 points late in the third quarter. Minnesota relied on strong contributions from their key players, particularly Julius Randle who recorded 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Their defense had kept the Mavericks to just 32.6 percent shooting during the first half, forcing them to struggle offensively.
Despite the setback of losing Doncic, the Mavericks showed resilience, led by Kyrie Irving's standout performance, where he scored 39 points, including 15 points during the fourth quarter alone. Irving managed to keep the Mavericks afloat, spearheading their attempts to close the gap. At one point, he nearly pushed Dallas to the front, coming close with a three-point shot as the clock wound down. "Kyrie went crazy in the third quarter tho..." wrote one fan on social media as he witnessed Irving's masterclass.
With the fourth quarter beginning, Dallas mounted their fierce comeback efforts, transforming what seemed like certain defeat. They managed to drastically narrow down the Timberwolves' massive lead, closing it to just two points with under a minute left. Klay Thompson rose to the occasion as well, making pivotal plays including passing Reggie Miller for fifth on the NBA’s all-time 3-pointers list, netting 12 points during the game. Fans had begun to feel the tension mount, with one writing, "If the Timberwolves lose this game they owe every single fan because they must be breaking their TV on Christmas Day."
Despite the mounting pressure, Minnesota held firm. Edwards scored pivotal points down the stretch and responded immediately following Irving’s missed three-point attempt, ensuring the Timberwolves maintained their lead as time waned. Randle's last-minute free throws capped the Timberwolves' victory, sealing their win and snapping their three-game losing streak.
"This would be a gut-wrenching loss for Minnesota. You’ve led most of the night, Luka out with an injury... it seemed like everything went right for them up until the fourth quarter," commented one fan, summarizing both the emotional stakes of the game and the relief felt by Timberwolves supporters.
Considering Doncic’s injury history, concerned whispers have begun to circulate about the potential duration of his absence. While Kyrie and Klay may bolster the Mavericks' efforts, it is clear they will need their star player for sustained success as they move through the season. The Mavericks are currently sitting fourth in the Western Conference with a record of 19-11, yet they will need to tread carefully without their resident playmaker.
For the Timberwolves, this close win marks another step forward as they endeavor to improve their standing, now riding high on this Christmas victory. The Timberwolves will be back on the court to face the Houston Rockets, buoyed by this triumph but well-aware of the frailty of their current lead. Meanwhile, the Mavericks will look to regroup as they prepare to take on the Phoenix Suns next, hoping to weather Doncic’s potential absence with grit and tenacity.
