The Minnesota Timberwolves leaned on a dominant fourth quarter from Anthony Edwards to hold off the reeling Dallas Mavericks 122-111 on Friday night, handing Dallas its 10th straight loss.
Edwards, returning home with his All-Star Game MVP trophy, erupted for 40 points — including 14 in the fourth quarter — and delivered in the clutch after Minnesota saw a 17-point first-half lead disappear. With the game tied at 103 following a floater from Tyus Jones that capped a 12-2 Dallas run, Edwards answered with a step-back 3-pointer. Naz Reid followed with a triple of his own less than a minute later, and the Timberwolves never relinquished control.
Rudy Gobert added 22 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks, while Reid finished with 21 points. Minnesota started hot, hitting 8 of 13 from beyond the arc in the opening quarter and racing to a 40-point first period. The Timberwolves pushed their advantage to 17 late in the second quarter before a sluggish third allowed Dallas back into the game. Julius Randle struggled offensively, scoring 13 points on 4-of-15 shooting.
Dallas was led by Khris Middleton with 18 points, while Marvin Bagley III contributed 15 points and 13 rebounds. The Mavericks have not won since Jan. 22 against Golden State and are enduring their longest losing streak in 28 years.
The Mavericks again played without rookie Cooper Flagg (sprained foot) and Max Christie (ankle). Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II remain out for the season due to injuries.
Gobert was assessed a flagrant foul in the second quarter that will result in an automatic one-game suspension based on his season total.
Up next:
Dallas visits Indiana on Sunday, while Minnesota hosts Philadelphia.
