Anthony Edwards led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a hard-fought 105-99 Christmas Day win against the Dallas Mavericks after star player Luka Dončić exited the game due to a strained left calf. This marked a significant moment for the Timberwolves, who managed to maintain their lead despite the Mavericks’ late-game surge.
The matchup, a rematch of last season’s Western Conference finals, took a turn for the worse when Dončić suffered his injury while executing a play late in the second quarter. The game intensified as the Mavericks fought back from a staggering 28-point deficit in the second half, showcasing their resilience.
Dončić, a five-time All-Star, was unable to return to the court after limping off following a Dallas timeout. This was particularly concerning as it was only his second game back after missing two due to a left heel contusion, raising questions about his durability.
Kyrie Irving delivered an impressive performance, scoring 39 points, but his last-minute 3-pointer attempt fell short, which would have given the Mavericks the lead after their remarkable comeback. Dončić managed to contribute 14 points before his exit.
Rudy Gobert also made his mark on the game, contributing 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, helping solidify the Timberwolves’ defense.
Takeaways
Timberwolves: Julius Randle made headlines by facing his hometown team for the first time since his blockbuster trade from the New York Knicks, finishing with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, showcasing his all-around game.
Mavericks: The team found a spark in the fourth quarter, overcoming the initial shock of Dončić’s injury and narrowing a significant gap, demonstrating their competitive spirit.
Key moment
The turning point came when Dončić pulled up lame, altering the dynamics of the game. His presence has been a driving force for the Mavericks, and his absence was felt deeply as they aimed for their fifth consecutive Christmas game.
Key stat
Timberwolves: Minnesota had been struggling defensively, allowing an average of 121 points on 50% shooting in their previous three games leading into this Christmas matchup. Their improved defense was pivotal in establishing a commanding lead in Dallas.
Mavericks: Klay Thompson made history by surpassing Reggie Miller for fifth place on the NBA’s career three-pointers list, finishing the game with 12 points and hitting 4 of 10 from beyond the arc, now standing at 2,562 career threes.
Up next
The Timberwolves will face the Houston Rockets on Friday, while the Mavericks will take on the Phoenix Suns the same day, both teams looking to build on their performances.
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Anthony Edwards
Minnesota Timberwolves
National Basketball Association
