Key Takeaways:
- Naz Reid delivered a season-high 22 points on Monday night as Minnesota secured their fifth win in six games
- Dallas Mavericks were without key big men Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II due to injury management, while Anthony Davis also remained sidelined
- Six Timberwolves players reached double digits in scoring as Minnesota built a commanding 32-point lead heading into the final quarter
Game Analysis
The Minnesota Timberwolves extended their strong run of form with a commanding 120-96 triumph over a short-handed Dallas Mavericks squad at the Target Center. Minnesota asserted control early in the match, led by an energetic performance from Naz Reid, who notched a season-best 22 points, including 10 in the opening period and 19 across the first half. Reid capped off his night with a 3-pointer in the dying moments of the third quarter, pushing the Timberwolves’ advantage to 32 points as they entered the fourth quarter.
GOT THE DUB. pic.twitter.com/HQwfqcoSO6
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) November 18, 2025
Team and Player Performances
Minnesota showcased balanced scoring, with all five starters registering double figures alongside Reid. Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert contributed 15 points each, providing consistent support throughout the contest. Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves’ standout this season, registered a subdued 13 points on 5-for-14 shooting, while Jaden McDaniels hit three consecutive 3-pointers as Minnesota widened the margin to 85-55 in the third period.
The Mavericks, playing the second game of a back-to-back, were hampered by the absence of Daniel Gafford (ankle) and Dereck Lively II (knee), both unavailable due to injury management. Anthony Davis also continues to be absent for Dallas. As a result, rookie Moussa Cissé made his first career start. Top draft pick Cooper Flagg and Brandon Williams stepped up with 15 points apiece, but Dallas ultimately fell to 1-2 in the second game of back-to-backs this season, following their win over Portland on Sunday.
Shooting Stats & Bench Contribution
Despite their convincing win, Minnesota continued to struggle from long range, shooting under 33% from beyond the arc for the fourth consecutive contest. The Timberwolves finished at 32% (14-for-44) from deep. Dallas, similarly, found it difficult to connect from distance, converting just 9 of 30 three-point attempts, consistent with their position as the league’s second-worst three-point shooting team (31.1% entering the match).
| Team | Top Scorers | Three-Point Percentage | Key Absences | Next Fixture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Timberwolves | Naz Reid (22), Jaden McDaniels (15), Rudy Gobert (15), Anthony Edwards (13) | 32% (14-for-44) | None noted | Host Washington Wizards on Wednesday |
| Dallas Mavericks | Cooper Flagg (15), Brandon Williams (15) | 30% (9-for-30) | Daniel Gafford (ankle), Dereck Lively II (knee), Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving | Host New York Knicks on Wednesday |
Looking Ahead
The Timberwolves, buoyed by their dominant performance, will look to carry their momentum into their home fixture against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. The Mavericks, meanwhile, aim to regroup with a healthier roster when they host the New York Knicks in their next outing.
