The Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t just beat the Dallas Mavericks — they dismantled them. On November 17, 2025, at the Target Center in Minneapolis, the Timberwolves rolled to a 120-96 victory, turning what was expected to be a tight Western Conference clash into a statement performance. The win pushed Minnesota to 9-5 on the season, while Dallas fell to a dismal 4-11, deepening concerns about their playoff chances. And it wasn’t just the score that told the story — it was the rhythm, the defense, the depth. This wasn’t luck. It was execution.
How the Game Unfolded
The Timberwolves came out firing. They scored 34 points in the first quarter — a blistering pace that set the tone. Dallas, by contrast, struggled to find rhythm, managing just 21. By halftime, Minnesota led 61-44. The third quarter was the real blowout: 37 points for the Wolves, 22 for the Mavericks. That 15-point swing in a single quarter turned the game into a mop-up operation. Even Dallas’s late surge in the fourth (30 points) couldn’t mask the fact they were outclassed for 36 minutes.
At the center of it all was Naz Reid. The veteran big man finished with a double-double — 22 points, 12 rebounds, and three three-pointers — showing off a rare blend of post moves and perimeter shooting. His presence stretched the floor and forced Dallas’s defense into impossible choices. Then there was Rudy Gobert, who added 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, anchoring the paint with his trademark rim protection. Jaden Hardy chipped in 17 points and four threes, proving he’s becoming a reliable secondary scorer.
For Dallas, the offense looked disjointed. Luka Dončić was held to 18 points on 6-of-19 shooting — a rare off night. Kyrie Irving added 20, but the supporting cast disappeared. The Mavericks shot just 41% from the field and turned the ball over 17 times. Their bench scored only 28 points, compared to Minnesota’s 49. It was a textbook example of how a team can lose even when its stars aren’t completely shut down.
Historical Context: A Shift in the Rivalry
Before this game, the all-time head-to-head record favored Dallas: 30 wins to Minnesota’s 25. But the tide has turned. The Timberwolves have now won the last two meetings — this one, and a heartbreaking 115-114 win in Dallas on January 23, 2025. That January game was a turning point. It was the first time since 2021 that Minnesota had beaten Dallas in back-to-back matchups. Now, with this 24-point rout, the Wolves are sending a message: they’re no longer the underdogs in this rivalry.
What’s changed? Coaching. Chemistry. Depth. Minnesota’s front office spent the offseason adding role players who fit their system — and it’s paying off. Dallas, meanwhile, has been stuck in a cycle of high expectations and inconsistent execution. They’re still a talented team, but they lack the defensive cohesion and bench reliability that Minnesota now possesses.
Where to Watch and How It Was Covered
For fans tuning in, the game was widely accessible. fuboTV, NBA League Pass, and the NBA League Pass Amazon Channel offered live streaming. In Minnesota, FanDuel Sports Network North carried the broadcast and aired a postgame show titled "Wolves Live Postgame" on November 18. Australian viewers had options through ESPN Australia and Kayo Sports, with the game airing at 12:00 PM AEDT on November 18. YouTube TV offered a free trial via its Sports Plus package, bundling NBA League Pass with ESPN and NBA TV.
Stat platforms like Sofascore and scores24.live delivered real-time box scores, quarter-by-quarter breakdowns, and even community voting on key plays. The NBA’s official YouTube channel published highlights on November 18, featuring Reid’s dunks, Gobert’s blocks, and Hardy’s clutch threes — all underscored by the stark reality: Minnesota is clicking, Dallas is not.
What This Means for the Western Conference
With this win, the Timberwolves climbed into the top six of the Western Conference standings — a place they haven’t held consistently since 2023. They’re now one game behind the Phoenix Suns and just half a game out of the fourth seed. More importantly, they’ve shown they can beat elite teams on their own floor — and now, they’re beating teams they’re expected to beat… by 24 points.
Dallas, meanwhile, is in freefall. At 4-11, they’re one of the worst teams in the league. Their playoff hopes are fading fast. With injuries mounting and chemistry issues bubbling under the surface, questions are mounting: Is Luka carrying too much? Is the roster built for defense? Will the front office make a trade before the deadline?
It’s not just about wins and losses anymore. It’s about identity. Minnesota is becoming a team that plays with purpose. Dallas? They’re still searching.
What’s Next?
The Timberwolves travel to face the Sacramento Kings on November 19, 2025 — a chance to extend their momentum. Dallas heads to Phoenix on November 20, facing a Suns team that’s won seven straight. If the Mavericks lose that one, they’ll be 4-12 — and the pressure will be unbearable.
For Minnesota, the question isn’t whether they can make the playoffs. It’s whether they can be a true contender. This win? It wasn’t just a victory. It was a declaration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Naz Reid’s performance impact the game’s outcome?
Naz Reid’s 22-point, 12-rebound, three-three-pointer night was the engine of Minnesota’s offense. His ability to stretch the floor forced Dallas’s big men to guard him beyond the arc, opening driving lanes for Anthony Edwards and Jaden Hardy. He also drew key fouls and converted at the line, keeping the Timberwolves’ scoring momentum alive in crunch time. Without his versatility, the Wolves wouldn’t have pulled away in the third quarter.
Why is this win significant for the Timberwolves’ playoff chances?
At 9-5, Minnesota is now firmly in the Western Conference’s top six, a position they’ve struggled to maintain since 2023. This win over a team with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving proves they can dominate even when facing star power. With a favorable schedule ahead and defensive improvements under Chris Finch, they’re no longer just a team that can sneak in — they’re becoming a team that can scare contenders.
What’s wrong with the Dallas Mavericks this season?
Dallas’s offense is too reliant on Luka and Kyrie, and their bench has been abysmal — scoring only 28 points against Minnesota. They rank 27th in defensive rating and 28th in bench points per game. Coaching decisions have been inconsistent, and their lack of interior defense has exposed them against teams with strong big men like Rudy Gobert. Without a clear identity or role-player development, they’re at risk of missing the playoffs entirely.
How did the Target Center crowd influence the game?
The Target Center was electric — sellout crowd, deafening noise during key defensive stops. The Wolves fed off it, especially in the third quarter when they went on a 17-2 run. Dallas players admitted afterward they struggled to hear play calls. The arena’s reputation as a tough place to play has returned, and for Minnesota, that home-court advantage is now a tangible weapon.
Can the Mavericks turn their season around before the trade deadline?
It’s possible, but unlikely without major changes. Dallas needs a defensive-minded big man and a reliable three-point shooter off the bench. But their draft picks are tied up, and their salary cap is tight. If they don’t make a bold move — perhaps trading a rotation player for a defensive anchor — they could be looking at a lottery pick in 2026. The window for contention with this core may be closing faster than anyone expected.
What’s the historical significance of Minnesota’s recent wins over Dallas?
Before 2025, the Timberwolves hadn’t won two straight against the Mavericks since 2018. Now, with two consecutive wins — including a 24-point demolition — they’ve flipped a decades-long psychological edge. The Mavericks used to dominate this matchup. Now, Minnesota is the team that’s confident walking into Dallas. That shift in momentum could reshape how both franchises approach future matchups — and even trade negotiations.