The Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t just beat the Dallas Mavericks — they dismantled them. On Monday, November 17, 2025, at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Timberwolves rolled to a 120-96 victory, turning what was expected to be a competitive matchup into a statement win. At the heart of it all? Naz Reid, who dropped a season-high 22 points, pulled down 12 rebounds — tying his career-best — and hit three threes in what might have been the best game of his NBA career. The win extended Minnesota’s momentum, even if just by one game, while Dallas continues to flounder near the bottom of the Western Conference.
A Third Quarter That Broke the Game Open
The Timberwolves didn’t need a miracle. They just needed to stay patient. After outscoring the Mavericks 34-21 in the first quarter — a blistering start that stunned the visitors — Minnesota kept the pressure on, adding 27 in the second to take a 61-44 lead into halftime. But the real demolition came in the third. The Minnesota Timberwolves outscored Dallas 37-22, turning a comfortable lead into a blowout. By the end of the period, the crowd was chanting “Naz! Naz!” — and with good reason. His 12 rebounds were a mix of brute force and crafty positioning, and his three-point shooting kept the Mavericks’ defense scrambling.
Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert, the French defensive anchor, quietly did his thing: 15 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists. He didn’t need to score much — he just needed to be there. And he was. Every time Dallas tried to drive, he was waiting. Every time they missed, he boxed out like a man who’s been here before. That’s the kind of consistency that wins championships.
Dallas’s Struggles Are More Than Just Injuries
For the Dallas Mavericks, the loss was another gut punch. Their only bright spot? Jaden Hardy, the 20-year-old guard who poured in 17 points, including four threes. But even his shooting couldn’t offset the team’s overall disarray. Dallas shot just 41% from the field. They turned the ball over 18 times. Their bench scored only 24 points. And their defense? Nonexistent in the third quarter.
They’re now 4-11 on the season — sixth-worst in the NBA. And while injuries have played a role, this isn’t just bad luck. It’s a systemic issue. The Mavericks have no identity. They’re neither a fast-paced shooting team nor a physical, inside-out unit. They’re stuck in between. And in a conference as deep as the West, that’s a death sentence.
Minnesota’s Rise Is No Fluke
The Timberwolves? They’re building something real. This win marked their fifth straight — four before this one, against the Utah Jazz and Sacramento Kings — and they’ve done it with balance. They’re 9-5, fourth in the Western Conference, just 4.5 games behind the league-leading Oklahoma City Thunder (14-1). And they’re doing it without relying on one superstar. Anthony Edwards is steady. Karl-Anthony Towns is healthy. Gobert anchors the paint. And now? Naz Reid is emerging as a reliable second option.
Reid’s 22-point, 12-rebound night wasn’t just about stats. It was about timing. With Towns sometimes playing off the ball, Reid has become the perfect complement — a big man who can stretch the floor, finish at the rim, and rebound with authority. He’s not just filling in. He’s elevating.
The Bigger Picture: A Conference on Fire
The Western Conference is a warzone. The Thunder are flying high. The Nuggets are grinding. The Rockets and Spurs are surprise contenders at 9-3 and 9-4. Even the Grizzlies — despite their 4-10 record — are dangerous with Ja Morant back. Meanwhile, the Mavericks, Pelicans (2-12), and even the Blazers (6-7) are fighting for relevance. Minnesota isn’t just hanging on — they’re climbing. And if they keep this up, they won’t just make the playoffs. They could be a nightmare in the first round.
What’s Next?
The Timberwolves host the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. Dallas? They head to Portland, hoping to snap a five-game skid. But with their defense in shambles and their offense inconsistent, don’t expect miracles. Meanwhile, Naz Reid’s breakout might just be the spark Minnesota needs to push past the top half of the West. And if he keeps playing like this — with that kind of energy, that kind of poise — the league might have to start taking him seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Naz Reid’s performance for the Timberwolves’ playoff chances?
Naz Reid’s 22-point, 12-rebound game is a major boost for Minnesota’s depth. With Karl-Anthony Towns sometimes playing as a perimeter threat, Reid’s ability to dominate the paint and stretch the floor gives the Timberwolves a rare two-big lineup that can space the floor and rebound effectively. His performance suggests he’s no longer just a backup — he’s a reliable starter-caliber player, which could be the difference in a tough playoff series against teams like Denver or Phoenix.
Why are the Mavericks struggling so badly despite having Luka Dončić?
Luka Dončić is elite, but he can’t carry a team alone. Dallas lacks defensive cohesion, depth on the bench, and a consistent second scorer. Jaden Hardy showed flashes, but he’s still raw. The supporting cast — from Kyrie Irving’s injury absences to the underperforming big men — has failed to create balance. Without better role players, even Luka’s brilliance gets neutralized by elite defenses like Minnesota’s.
How does this win affect Minnesota’s position in the Western Conference?
The Timberwolves’ 9-5 record moves them into serious playoff contention. They’re now tied for fourth in the West, just 1.5 games behind the Denver Nuggets and 4.5 behind the Thunder. Their home court advantage at Target Center has been a major factor — they’re 6-1 at home this season. If they maintain this pace, they’ll likely finish in the top 4, avoiding the play-in tournament and earning home-court advantage in Round 1.
What role did Rudy Gobert play in the win?
Rudy Gobert didn’t light up the stat sheet, but his impact was massive. He altered 7 shots, grabbed key rebounds in the fourth quarter, and set screens that freed up Reid and Edwards for open looks. His presence in the paint forced Dallas to take contested jumpers — they shot just 29% from three, well below their season average. Gobert’s defense is the foundation of Minnesota’s success.
How did the officiating influence the game?
The referees — 3558, 413140, and 525826 — called a tight game with 42 total fouls, but no major controversies. Both teams got to the line equally: Minnesota shot 18 free throws, Dallas 17. The officiating didn’t swing the game — the Timberwolves’ execution did. There were no questionable calls that altered momentum, which speaks to how cleanly Minnesota played on both ends.
What does this result mean for the 2025-2026 NBA season narrative?
This game reinforces a growing narrative: the West is wide open, but Minnesota is quietly building a contender. While teams like Oklahoma City and Denver get the headlines, the Timberwolves are the most balanced team in the top half. Their depth, defense, and emerging role players like Reid make them a dark horse. Meanwhile, Dallas’s struggles signal that even star power isn’t enough without structure — a warning to other teams relying on single superstars.
