The Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t just beat the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night — they dismantled them. A 120-96 thrashing at Minneapolis’s Target Center on November 17, 2025 wasn’t just another win. It was a statement. The Timberwolves, now 9-5, have won five of their last six games. The Mavericks? They’re 4-11 and looking more like a team in rebuilding mode than a playoff contender.
Reid’s Breakout Night Sparks Timberwolves’ Fire
Naz Reid didn’t just play well — he exploded. The center posted a season-high 22 points, 12 rebounds, and knocked down three three-pointers, matching his career-best in boards. His third triple came midway through the third quarter, stretching the floor just as Dallas tried to claw back. It was the kind of performance that turns heads in the locker room — and on the trade market. Reid, often overshadowed by bigger names, proved he’s more than a backup. He’s a weapon.
And he wasn’t alone. Rudy Gobert, the French defensive anchor, added 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists. His presence in the paint was a constant deterrent. Dallas shot just 39% from the field — and only 27% from deep. Gobert didn’t block a single shot, but his mere existence altered every drive. That’s the quiet kind of dominance that wins championships.
Dallas’ Struggles Run Deeper Than Injuries
The Mavericks were described as “short-handed,” and yes — key players were out. But even with healthy rosters, they’ve looked lost. Jaden Hardy, wearing jersey No. 3, led Dallas with 17 points and four threes. He’s now in his 13th straight game scoring in double figures — a career streak that means nothing if the team keeps losing. Hardy’s effort was admirable. But one player carrying the offense isn’t a strategy. It’s a symptom.
Brandon Williams tried to spark early offense, and Dallas briefly cut the lead to 10 in the second quarter. But then came the third quarter. Minnesota outscored them 37-22. That’s not a cold spell. That’s a collapse. The Mavericks committed 18 turnovers. Their bench scored just 19 points. And their defense? Nonexistent. They let the Timberwolves score 93 points in the first three quarters. That’s not bad luck. That’s bad coaching.
Timberwolves’ Momentum Is Real — And Terrifying
This win extended Minnesota’s winning streak to five games. Four of those came against the Utah Jazz and Sacramento Kings — teams they’re now beating by an average of 22 points. They’re 5-1 at home this season. And they’re doing it without relying on one superstar. Anthony Edwards, the electric shooting guard, only scored 16 points — but he made his first three of the night by attacking Gobert, then rolling through the lane. That’s the kind of play that defines a rising team: unselfish, aggressive, intelligent.
Julius Randle, in his first season with Minnesota, added 14 points and 7 boards. Rob Dillingham, the rookie guard, threw down a thunderous dunk in the fourth that sent the crowd into a frenzy. This isn’t just about stars. It’s about depth. About chemistry. About a team that finally believes it belongs.
Where This Leaves the Western Conference
As of November 18, 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder sit at 14-1 — the best record in the NBA. The Timberwolves? They’re 4.5 games back. Still, that’s a massive leap from last year’s 34-win season. Denver (10-3) and Houston (9-3) are breathing down their necks. But Minnesota’s recent form suggests they’re not just catching up — they’re moving ahead.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks are 6.5 games behind the San Antonio Spurs in the Southwest Division. And they’ve lost five of their last six. The pieces are there — Luka Dončić is healthy, Kyrie Irving is back — but the culture? The defense? The identity? Still missing. They’re not just losing. They’re regressing.
What’s Next? A Crucial Stretch Ahead
Minnesota faces the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, then heads to Denver on Friday. Two tough games. But they’ve won six of their last seven road games dating back to last season. Confidence is building. Meanwhile, Dallas plays the Spurs and the Warriors in their next two — both teams with better records and more cohesion. If the Mavericks don’t fix their defensive rotations and ball movement by Friday, their season could spiral into irrelevance.
There’s a reason NBA insiders are calling this Timberwolves team a dark horse. They’ve got size, speed, depth, and now, a winning habit. The Mavericks? They’re stuck in neutral. And the clock’s ticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Naz Reid’s performance compare to his previous seasons?
Naz Reid’s 22-point, 12-rebound outing on November 17, 2025, was his first double-double of the season and his highest-scoring game since March 2024. In his career, he’s averaged 11.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game — making this performance nearly double his typical output. His three three-pointers also marked a career-high for a single game in regulation, signaling a new offensive dimension.
Why are the Mavericks still struggling despite having Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving?
Dallas’ issues go beyond star power. They rank 28th in defensive efficiency this season, with poor communication and weak help defense. Their bench has scored fewer than 20 points in six of their last eight games. While Dončić and Irving are elite scorers, they’re carrying too much of the load — and the team lacks consistent role players who can create their own shots or defend multiple positions.
What’s the significance of the Timberwolves’ 9-5 record?
A 9-5 start is Minnesota’s best through 14 games since the 2003-04 season. That year, they made the Western Conference Finals. This year’s team has more depth, better defense, and a stronger bench. With a .643 winning percentage, they’re on pace for 54 wins — a 20-win improvement from last season. It’s not just a hot streak; it’s a transformation.
How did the Timberwolves’ defense limit Dallas’ scoring?
Minnesota held Dallas to just 21 points in the first quarter and 22 in the third — their two lowest-scoring quarters of the season. They forced 18 turnovers, including 7 in the third period alone. Rudy Gobert’s rim protection and the perimeter help from Anthony Edwards and Jaden Hardy forced Dallas into contested mid-range jumpers. Dallas shot 41% on two-pointers — well below their season average of 52%.
Is this win a sign the Timberwolves can compete for a top seed?
Absolutely. They’re now one of only four Western Conference teams with a winning percentage above .600. Their net rating (+8.2) is the third-best in the West. If they maintain their current pace — especially with Gobert and Reid playing at elite levels — they’re not just a playoff team. They’re a legitimate threat to challenge the Thunder or Nuggets in a potential conference final.
What’s the timeline for Dallas to turn things around?
The Mavericks have 14 games left before the All-Star break. If they don’t improve their defensive rankings and bench production by mid-December, they risk falling out of playoff contention entirely. General manager Nico Harrison has already been linked to trade rumors involving role players. The clock is ticking — and the next 10 days could define their season.
