The Dallas Mavericks improved their record to 3-1 to start the 2024-25 season with a strong 120-114 road win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite a slow start from Dallas, they came storming back in the second and third quarters to take control of the game before a closely contested fourth quarter saw Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic combine for 20 points to pull the win off.
The Mavericks were led by Kyrie Irving’s 35 points (13-23 FG), four rebounds, and five assists while Luka Doncic played through injuries and put up 24 points (10-27 FG), eight rebounds, and nine assists. P.J. Washington had a major impact on the win with 17 points (7-13 FG) and eight rebounds on great defense while Daniel Gafford scored a perfect 14 points (6-6 FG) to be a scary interior presence.
The Timberwolves saw Anthony Edwards put up 37 points (12-20 FG) as the Wolves star had a 24-point first quarter. Julius Randle was a solid co-star with 20 points (7-13 FG), seven rebounds, and seven assists meanwhile Naz Reid came off the bench to contribute 14 points and nine rebounds.
Here are three major takeaways from this contest between the Western Conference heavyweights.Â
Mavericks’ Stat Leaders:
Kyrie Irving: 35 PTS, 4 REB, 5 AST, 1 STL (13-23 FG, 6-8 3PT, 3-5 FT)
Luka Doncic: 24 PTS, 8 REB, 9 AST, 1 STL (10-27 FG, 1-8 3PT, 3-4 FT)
P.J. Washington: 17 PTS, 8 REB, 3 AST, 1 STL (7-13 FG, 3-6 3PT)
Daniel Gafford: 14 PTS, 4 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK (6-6 FG, 2-2 FT)
Dereck Lively II: 5 PTS, 9 REB, 1 AST, 3 STL, 1 BLK (2-3 FG, 1-2 FT)
Timberwolves’ Stat Leaders:
Anthony Edwards: 37 PTS, 6 REB, 3 AST, 1 BLK (12-20 FG, 7-13 3PT, 6-12 FT)
Julius Randle: 20 PTS, 7 REB, 7 AST, 2 STL (7-13 FG, 3-3 3PT, 3-4 FT)
Naz Reid: 14 PTS, 9 REB, 2 AST, 1 BLK (5-8 FG, 2-5 3PT, 2-2 FT)
Jaden McDaniels: 13 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST (6-11 FG, 1-3 3PT)
Nickeil Alexander-Walker: 11 PTS, 2 REB, 3 AST, 1 STL (4-7 FG, 3-5 3PT)
Mavericks Can Win Without Luka Doncic Needing To Dominate
Luka Doncic hasn’t had an ideal start to the 2024-25 season. He’s averaging 26.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists on 36.4% from the field, missing 17 of his 27 shot attempts in tonight’s win over the Timberwolves. He picked up an ankle/thigh injury during the game after Jaden McDaniels ran into him during a play, prompting Doncic to sub out for a short while.
Luka’s inefficiency in opening the season isn’t something the team could have survived over the last few seasons. Dallas’ success has always been inextricably linked to how well Doncic performs individually. The team has gotten off to a 3-1 start, with the best offensive performance out of them for Luka coming in a loss to the Phoenix Suns.
There are enough weapons on both ends of the court to supplement Luka’s scoring, as his playmaking remains top-notch.
Carrying Forward A Defensive Identity
The Mavericks transformed into one of the best teams in the NBA after February 2024 due to the additions of players like P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford to the franchise. They lost POA defender Derrick Jones Jr. in the summer, but the Mavs seem to have maintained their strong defensive ethos this season.
Minnesota had 20 turnovers in this game, with 12 of them being credited as steals for Mavericks players. Klay Thompson deserves recognition, as he put up just seven points on 2-7 shooting, but his defensive activity was high, as it has been throughout this season.
Through four games, teams are converting field goals at 43.6% against Dallas, one of the best marks in the NBA. They’re active on the perimeter while having 48 minutes of strong center play to protect the rim and the inside. The Timberwolves struggled to find consistent offense outside of runs by Edwards or Randle, primarily due to the disruptive Mavericks defense making it impossible for them. Â
A Free Throw Line Disaster
The Timberwolves should have won this game and could have easily done so after retaking control of the contest in the fourth quarter. Multiple culprits can be blamed for this loss, including a disappointing performance from Rudy Gobert (7 PTS, 8 REB), but free throw shooting has to be the most obvious. The Timberwolves went 17-26 (65.4 FT% from the line in a six-point loss.
Out of the nine total free throw misses, franchise star Anthony Edwards wound up missing six of his 12 attempts at the line. Edwards shot 83.6% from the line last season and is a career 79.0% shooter, but this performance was uncharacteristic for the Timberwolves star.Â
The Timberwolves play a physical style of offense and receive more opportunities at the line than the Mavs but failed to capitalize on it. There’s a reason these are called ‘free’ throws, and it seems the Wolves need to optimize how they maximize these opportunities going forward.
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