Julius Randle poured in 31 points, Naz Reid added 23 off the bench, and the Minnesota Timberwolves took advantage of a depleted Dallas lineup in a 118-105 win over the Mavericks on Wednesday night.
Anthony Edwards finished with 20 points as Minnesota won for the second straight time after snapping a season-long five-game losing streak. Randle was efficient throughout, shooting 12 of 21 from the field and a perfect 7 for 7 at the free-throw line, continuing his strong play against his hometown team with at least 21 points in 11 of his past 12 meetings with Dallas.
The Mavericks were without several key pieces, including No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg (left ankle injury management), Klay Thompson (left knee soreness), and Anthony Davis (hand). Kyrie Irving has yet to play this season while rehabbing a torn ACL.
P.J. Washington Jr. led Dallas with 21 points, all coming in the second half. Naji Marshall scored 18 and Brandon Williams added 17, but the Mavericks struggled to sustain momentum. Dallas shot just 67% at the free-throw line and trailed for all but 26 seconds of the game.
Dallas cut a 16-point deficit to eight late in the third quarter, but Reid answered with a 3-pointer to spark a 12-3 Timberwolves run to close the period. Minnesota maintained control in the fourth, with Reid hitting a jumper and another 3 to push the lead to 106-91. He finished with eight rebounds and three steals.
Max Christie, who had scored 20 or more points in four straight games, was held to nine points on 1-of-8 shooting for Dallas.
Up next:
Both teams complete back-to-backs at home on Thursday night. Minnesota hosts Oklahoma City, while Dallas faces Charlotte.
