Timberwolves Crush Short-Handed Mavericks 120-96 as Naz Reid Drops Season-High 22 Points
Nov, 18 2025
The Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t just beat the Dallas Mavericks on November 17, 2025—they dismantled them. In a commanding 120-96 victory at Minneapolis’s Target Center, the Timberwolves turned the game into a clinic on rhythm, rebounding, and ruthless efficiency. And it all started with a 34-point first quarter—their highest-scoring opening frame of the season. By halftime, they led 61-44. By the end of three, it was 98-66. The fourth quarter? Just cleanup. The Mavericks, already thin, looked out of answers. And the star of the night? Naz Reid, the 25-year-old center who dropped a season-high 22 points, 12 rebounds, and three three-pointers. Double-double? More like a statement.
A First Half That Broke the Game Open
It wasn’t a slow burn. It was a lightning strike. The Timberwolves came out firing, hitting their first six shots from the field. Rudy Gobert, the 32-year-old French anchor, set the tone with a pair of putbacks and a deflection that led to a fast-break three. Meanwhile, the Mavericks—missing key rotation players, though the exact absences remain unconfirmed—struggled to find footing. Their defense? Disorganized. Their transitions? Nonexistent. ESPN’s tracking data showed Dallas allowed 19 fast-break points in the first half alone, well above their season average of 17.2. That’s not a fluke. That’s a systemic flaw.
Meanwhile, Reid was everywhere. He caught lobs, hit step-back threes, and even blocked a shot from Cooper Flagg, the 19-year-old rookie who’s been one of Dallas’s few bright spots this season. Flagg finished with 15 points and two assists, but he looked overwhelmed in isolation against Gobert’s size and Reid’s agility. The mismatch wasn’t just physical—it was mental. The Timberwolves knew exactly where to attack.
The Mavericks’ Depth Problem
Let’s be clear: Dallas isn’t just losing. They’re unraveling. At 4-11, they’re tied with the Memphis Grizzlies for the worst record in the Southwest Division. Jaden Hardy, the 22-year-old shooting guard, went 4-of-7 from deep and scored 17 points—his best offensive night in weeks. Brandon Williams, the 23-year-old point guard, added 15 points and five rebounds. But neither could carry the load. Not with the defense leaking like a sieve. Not with no one else stepping up.
And here’s the kicker: the previous night, a Mavericks player identified only as ‘Washington’ had tied his career high with five three-pointers. He didn’t even play Monday. That’s the kind of inconsistency that haunts teams on the brink. No one knows who’s going to show up. No one knows who’s going to be healthy. The Mavericks aren’t just short-handed—they’re short on identity.
Minnesota’s Rise as a Contender
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves? They’re building something real. This win was their fifth in six games. Their record? 9-5. They’re now just 4.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder (14-1) in the Northwest Division. That’s not a mirage. That’s momentum. And it’s built on defense, rebounding, and a bench that’s finally clicking. Gobert’s 15 points and nine rebounds were textbook. But it was Reid’s versatility—hitting threes, finishing at the rim, guarding multiple positions—that made the difference.
They’ve now won four straight, including two over the Utah Jazz and two over the Sacramento Kings. The pattern? Dominate early. Control the glass. Force turnovers. And when the opponent cracks? They pounce. This isn’t luck. It’s execution.
What’s Next? The Divide Widens
The Mavericks’ next game—against the San Antonio Spurs—could be a turning point. Or another step down. They’re 0-4 on the road this season. Their offense ranks 24th in the league. Their defense? 27th. They’re not just losing games. They’re losing confidence.
For Minnesota? The schedule softens slightly. Two home games this week, then a trip to Phoenix. If they can hold onto this momentum, they’re not just playoff-bound—they’re a dark horse in the West. The Thunder are the team to beat. But the Timberwolves? They’re the team nobody wants to face in April.
Behind the Numbers
- First-quarter scoring: Timberwolves 34, Mavericks 21 — their highest opening frame of the season
- Rebounding: Minnesota outrebounded Dallas 52-38, including 17 offensive boards
- Fast break points: Timberwolves 23, Mavericks 11 — a direct result of Dallas’s turnover issues
- Three-point shooting: Minnesota shot 14-of-31 (45.2%), led by Reid’s three and Gobert’s rare corner three
- Assists: Timberwolves had 29 assists on 45 field goals; Mavericks had just 17 on 36 makes
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Naz Reid’s performance compare to his previous season highs?
Naz Reid’s 22 points and 12 rebounds matched his season-best in both categories, but this was his first double-double with three or more three-pointers. Previously, his high was 20 points and 11 rebounds against Sacramento on November 7. The added range makes him a more dangerous offensive weapon, and it’s a key reason Minnesota’s offense has become more dynamic in recent weeks.
Why are the Mavericks struggling so badly on the road?
Dallas is 0-4 away from home this season, with an average margin of defeat of 14.8 points. Their defense collapses without crowd energy, and their rotation lacks depth—especially at guard. When starters like Jaden Hardy and Brandon Williams face tight defense, there’s no reliable secondary playmaker. The team has no bench scorer who can create his own shot consistently.
What’s the significance of the Timberwolves’ 9-5 record?
At 9-5, Minnesota is tied for the 7th-best record in the Western Conference. They’re one of only five teams in the West with a winning percentage above .600. More importantly, they’ve won six of their last seven games against teams with a .500 record or better—proving they can compete with contenders, not just beat up on bottom-feeders.
How does this loss affect the Mavericks’ playoff chances?
At 4-11, Dallas is mathematically still alive but practically out of contention. They’d need to win 18 of their remaining 37 games to reach .500. With injuries mounting and no clear leadership on the court, a turnaround seems unlikely. Unless they make a trade before the deadline, they’re likely headed toward a top-five draft pick next summer.
Is Rudy Gobert still the defensive anchor Minnesota needs?
Absolutely. Gobert’s rim protection has cut opponents’ paint scoring by 12% since November 1. His 4 assists in this game show he’s also becoming a better passer out of double teams. He’s not just a defender—he’s a floor general. His chemistry with Reid has turned Minnesota’s interior into a fortress, and that’s the foundation of their rise.
What does this result mean for the Northwest Division race?
The Thunder remain unbeaten at 14-1, but Minnesota is now the clear No. 2. Denver is 7-7, Portland is 6-8, and Utah is 5-9. The Timberwolves’ 4.5-game lead over the Nuggets and Jazz means they’re in control of their destiny. Win the division, and they avoid the first round of the playoffs against the Thunder—something that could be the difference between an early exit and a deep run.