The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 98-87, at American Airlines Center on Sunday.
The Timberwolves (14-27) had handled the Mavericks last Monday night at the Target Center on the strength of a 34-point, 11-rebound double-double from Karl-Anthony Towns. However, the Mavericks (13-27) appeared intent on not allowing that to transpire again, and their focus on limiting Minnesota’s best all-around player was effective enough to insure themselves a home victory. Dallas limited Towns to a solid but tolerable stat line of 18 points, nine rebounds, three assists, steal and block over 38 minutes, while also turning in a balanced offensive effort on their end. The Mavs shot 46.8 percent from the field and 41.4 percent from three-point range, while seeing six players hit double digits in the scoring column.
The T-Wolves were actually paced by Gorgui Dieng, who managed 21 points, eight boards and a steal. Andrew Wiggins posted a full stat line of 19 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a steal. Zach LaVine returned to the starting lineup after missing the previous two games with a hip injury and registered 11 points, five boards, an assist and a steal. Ricky Rubio tallied a modest eight points but did dish out 10 assists, while Nemanja Bjelica went for 10 points, four rebounds, an assist and a steal in 22 minutes off the bench.
Dallas was led by Wesley Matthews, who tallied 19 points, along with seven rebounds, an assist and a block. Dirk Nowitzki continued his recent resurgence with 17 points, six rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Deron Williams supplied a 13-point, 10-assist double-double that also included four rebounds and two steals. Harrison Barnes matched Williams’ scoring total and added three boards, a block and steal. J.J. Barea led the second unit with 15 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Devin Harris posted 10 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Timberwolves remain in the Lone Star State to do battle with the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday evening, while the Mavericks head to the Windy City for a showdown with the Chicago Bulls on that same night.
