Timberwolves vs. Mavericks: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions

The Minnesota Timberwolves (42-30) play against the Dallas Mavericks (28-28) at American Airlines Center

Game Time: 8:30 PM EDT on Monday March 21, 2022

Minnesota Timberwolves 73, Dallas Mavericks 82 (Q3 02:17)

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Minnesota Timberwolves PR @Twolves_PR
Towns will go to the line for two shots following the timeout as Minnesota trails 82-73 with 2:17 left in the third.
Vanderbilt tied his season-high for rebounds in a quarter with 8 boards here in the third. – 10:27 PM Michael Dugat @mdug
Luka usually reacts well to this kind of crap that Beverley is trying … as we’ve seen by how little Beverley has played in games that matter against Luka – 10:26 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
The look on Luka’s face while PatBev was doing PatBev stuff >>>>> – 10:26 PM Michael Dugat @mdug
whatever spell Beverley cast on the officials, we need some of that – 10:25 PM Brad Townsend @townbrad
That’s a new version of a no-look pass. Doncic glared at ref Ray Acosta while hitting Finney-Smith in the corner for a 3-pointer. – 10:25 PM Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
First game the Wolves are really missing Jaden McDaniels — on both sides of the ball – 10:25 PM Dallas Mavericks @dallasmavs
DOE DOEEEEEEEE – 10:24 PM Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“We lost that one at the buzzer … I’m still hot.”
⁃Kevin Durant on losing to the Dallas Mavericks last week. – 10:21 PM Minnesota Timberwolves @Timberwolves
KAT does it all 👏 pic.twitter.com/2lVWNP91pL – 10:21 PM Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
Ok, but how about going to high wall purely on the logic that it’s all the Wolves have shown they’re good at defensively this season?
Wolves are bad at drop, and Luka is cooking it. – 10:18 PM Dallas Mavericks @dallasmavs
This man deserves his high five, JB 😂 pic.twitter.com/CkbxMykpN8 – 10:15 PM Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
Vando is limping and Luka isn’t guarding him on offense. Vando also picked up 3 fouls guarding Luka in the first quarter.
I know Finch prefers Vando on Luka, but this just might not be a Vando game. The value of Prince’s spacing might make up for whatever he gives up defensively – 10:14 PM Dallas Mavericks @dallasmavs
LUKA 👌👌👌 – 10:08 PM Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
This was Anthony Edwards one make in the first half.
A good example — with Kleber coming to double on the perimeter — of how Dallas’ goal is to get the ball out of Ant’s hands and rotate out behind it.
pic.twitter.com/owLeoSwObK – 10:07 PM Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
DeMar DeRozan with the hoop , the harm and one..” Put him in the Hall…put him in the Hall of Fame.” Bulls 106-86. 4 min left – 10:07 PM Rod Beard @detnewsRodBeard
#Pistons Luka Garza: “We didn’t come out with the right type of energy; we let them get comfortable … we didn’t disrupt that at all and that set the tone.” – 10:00 PM James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Luka Garza: “We just didn’t come out with the right type of energy. … They’re playing free right now. We didn’t disrupt that at all.” – 9:59 PM Minnesota Timberwolves @Timberwolves
have to lock in. pic.twitter.com/qm3Cru9E02 – 9:58 PM Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
How have the Mavs grown. Luka plays about as bad a half as he’s ever played 7 pts and 6 turnovers, and yet they lead 60-54 at halftime. Powell 16-5 w/2 stls and a block. Dinwiddie w/12. Mavs hold Towns to 6 pts on 6 shots. Prince w/13 leads MIN. 2nd half soon @theeagledallas – 9:57 PM Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
i’m cool with the raps trying to get back in this until the 4-5 min mark. fred got his rest last night and they’ve got 2 days off after tonight, keep pushing. – 9:56 PM Dallas Mavericks @dallasmavs
Halftime in Dallas.
#Lexus | #MFFL pic.twitter.com/1Ei3sQWakX – 9:55 PM Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
Story of the 1st half was how the Mavs and Wolves fared when KAT and Luka were off the floor.
Wolves with KAT on (17 minutes): +6
Wolves with KAT off (7 minutes): -12
Mavs with Luka on (18 minutes): -5
Mavs with Luka off (6 minutes): +11
Wolves 54, Mavs 60 at halftime – 9:55 PM Jon Krawczynski @JonKrawczynski
Super competitive half between Mavs and Wolves, who are neck-and-neck in the standings.
Mavs will get more from Luka in the second half.
Wolves will have to adjust to the Mavs’ aggressiveness with KAT.
Fun stuff. – 9:54 PM Dallas Mavericks @dallasmavs
Things you love to see 👇
@Luka Doncic pic.twitter.com/sqilu1JQ0d – 9:54 PM Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Jalen Brunson makes one from about 50 feet, but it won’t count. Clearly came after the buzzer. Mavericks up 60-54 at the break. Luka has seven points. Dwight Powell has 16. Just a routine half of basketball. – 9:53 PM Brad Townsend @townbrad
37-point second quarter gives Mavs a 60-54 lead. Dinwiddie scored 9 in the quarter, Doncic and Powell 7 apiece. – 9:53 PM Tim Cato @tim_cato
patrick beverley could instigate the pope into cursing – 9:50 PM Christopher Hine @ChristopherHine
Taurean Prince the Wolves leading scorer with 13 so far. – 9:50 PM James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
FINAL: Blazers 119, Pistons 115
Cade Cunningham: 25 points, 7 assists and 9 TOs
Saddiq Bey: 25 points, 6 rebounds
Marvin Bagley III: 15p. 8r
Killian Hayes: 12p, 6a and 4r
Luka Garza: 11 points
Isaiah Stewart: 8p and 12r – 9:48 PM Dallas Mavericks @dallasmavs
Just a quiet 16-point half for @Dwight Powell 😈 – 9:47 PM Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Luka Doncic is forgetting to sing to himself after an iffy foul call against him. – 9:47 PM Brad Townsend @townbrad
Doncic better start singing to himself. – 9:46 PM Minnesota Timberwolves @Timberwolves
B3⃣AS
B3⃣AS
B3⃣AS pic.twitter.com/caGZ9VO2Bn – 9:45 PM Minnesota Timberwolves @Timberwolves
A1 DANCIN’ ON ‘EM pic.twitter.com/aee7SleCZ6 – 9:45 PM Dallas Mavericks @dallasmavs
Got him! pic.twitter.com/mq7B2AMBvi – 9:42 PM Jon Krawczynski @JonKrawczynski
That’s 5 turnovers by Luka in the game so far. Wolves are making him work, but Powell is the difference so far. – 9:42 PM Brad Townsend @townbrad
Doncic’s first points come on a dunk with 5:11 left in the first half. – 9:41 PM Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
With no Jaden McDaniels and with Jarred Vanderbilt in foul trouble, we’re getting an extended look at minutes with Anthony Edwards playing power forward for the Wolves. – 9:39 PM Brad Townsend @townbrad
Granted he hasn’t played in the second quarter, but unusual to say the least that Doncic is scoreless with 6:31 left in the half. Moreover, that Dallas still leads 37-36. – 9:34 PM Dallas Mavericks @dallasmavs
“HE BACK!” – Spence after @Reggie Bullock hit a 3.
Get you a teammate like @Spencer Dinwiddie 🥺 pic.twitter.com/5egC2YYdw2 – 9:31 PM Minnesota Timberwolves @Timberwolves
THROW IT DOWN, NAZ 🔨 pic.twitter.com/aBTKU45Vkm – 9:31 PM Minnesota Timberwolves @Timberwolves
NAZ REID. pic.twitter.com/wTgnQDTA6k – 9:30 PM Jon Krawczynski @JonKrawczynski
Holy swat, Taurean Prince – 9:28 PM Dallas Mavericks @dallasmavs
SP3⃣NCE – 9:26 PM Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
The Wolves tried every matchup against Luka in the first quarter — Vanderbilt, Edwards, a little Beverley and closed with Prince.
I’m more worried about the coverage than the specific matchup. Wolves look lost in drop, and Luka is just old-man picking it apart. – 9:26 PM Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
From @BKN_NETSPR: Patty Mills’ third 3-pointer made tonight was his 212th of the season, moving him into sole possession of second place in Nets single-season history in 3-pointers made.
D’Angelo Russell (2018-19) is the all-time leader with 234. – 9:25 PM Minnesota Timberwolves PR @Twolves_PR
At the end of the first quarter, the @Minnesota Timberwolves lead Dallas 29-23.
Russell with a game-high 10 points on 4-6 shooting, including 2-3 from deep, his ninth 10+ point first quarter of the season (53rd career).
Towns has 6 points and 4 rebounds after one quarter of play. – 9:24 PM Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Burn the tape of that first quarter. Mavericks shoot bad from all over, including 38 percent overall. Luka has four turnovers and no points. Mavericks lucky to only be down 29-23. – 9:24 PM Brad Townsend @townbrad
9-1 T-Wolves run to end the quarter, giving Minnesota a 29-23 lead.
Doncic’s first quarter: 0 points, 4 assists, 0-2 FG, 0-2 FT and four turnovers. – 9:24 PM Jon Krawczynski @JonKrawczynski
Good start for the Wolves. Russell and Towns very good, solid defense on Luka.
Mavs only 3-12 from deep. Some good contests, especially from Vanderbilt, but those will start to fall. – 9:23 PM Minnesota Timberwolves @Timberwolves
corner trey TP 💸 pic.twitter.com/GL44YWRqr6 – 9:23 PM Christopher Hine @ChristopherHine
End of the first quarter here in Dallas and the Timberwolves lead 29-23. Doncic with 0 points, 4 assists in the first quarter. Russell has 10 for Minnesota. – 9:23 PM Dallas Mavericks @dallasmavs
That @Spencer Dinwiddie hustle >>>> pic.twitter.com/TgfNoGXeXG – 9:19 PM Minnesota Timberwolves @Timberwolves
KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS 😳 pic.twitter.com/ggfx4pr1T0 – 9:19 PM Brad Townsend @townbrad
Doncic committed four turnovers in the first 9 minutes, so, yeah, it’s 22-22 and Mavs probably are fortunate it’s tied. – 9:19 PM Dave McMenamin @mcten
Lakers start off road trip with a blowout loss in MIN, but end it winning two of final three games, capping it with a strong 131-120 victory in Cleveland. LeBron James had a special night with 38 pts, 12 ast, 11 reb to improve to 17-1 in games against his former team – 9:18 PM Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Luka Doncic is one of the league’s best first-quarter scorers. He hasn’t gotten off the goose egg tonight and Mavericks still are tied at 22 with 2:16 left in the first. – 9:17 PM Brad Townsend @townbrad
Leaking American Airlines Center roof delays start of Mavericks-Timberwolves game dallasnews.com/sports/maveric… – 9:14 PM Minnesota Timberwolves @Timberwolves
V8 POWER pic.twitter.com/Bz519BOwIW – 9:13 PM Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
6 minutes into the game, the Wolves move to Edwards as Luka’s primary defensive matchup.
Vando started out on Luka, but Finch pivoted off of that, even before substitutions. – 9:12 PM Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Wolves’ forward Jarred Vanderbilt with his third foul in under seven minutes. Brunson’s free throws make it 18-17, Wolves. – 9:12 PM Brad Townsend @townbrad
Doncic is scoreless, but his 4 assists have led to 73% of Mavs’ points, per NBA Courtside. – 9:11 PM Dallas Mavericks @dallasmavs
Luka’s dimes are filthy. – 9:11 PM Minnesota Timberwolves @Timberwolves
that DLo stepback is so smooth 🧊 pic.twitter.com/NTEhH5FWQR – 9:09 PM Eddie Sefko @ESefko
D’Angelo Russell with eight early points and Wolves up 14-12 at the under-7-minute timeout. Not much of a rhythm to this game yet. – 9:08 PM Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
The Wizards’ lead stretched to 23, but the Rockets battled back to make it 63-51 at halftime. Porzingis has 14 pts, 7 reb and 5 blk in 13 min. – 9:08 PM Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
I wonder what the logic for coming out and playing drop against Luka is. Trying to surprise him?
Might be time to switch it up already. Luka is dictating. – 9:07 PM Dallas Mavericks @dallasmavs
Reg came ready to play 💦 pic.twitter.com/JgAyRtStw4 – 9:07 PM Minnesota Timberwolves PR @Twolves_PR
Timeout on the floor with the @Minnesota Timberwolves leading 14-12 with 6:47 left in the first quarter.
Russell leading the way to start for the Wolves with 8 points on 3-4 shooting and 2-2 from three-point range. – 9:07 PM Christopher Hine @ChristopherHine
Nice pace to this one early. Wolves had a 7-2 lead, Dallas reeled off 10 straight. Wolves lead 14-12 now.
Russell had a terrible game here last time (4-18). He’s 3-4 to start the night. – 9:07 PM Jon Krawczynski @JonKrawczynski
Big start for DLo. Essential shotmaking – 9:05 PM Minnesota Timberwolves @Timberwolves
🧊🧊🧊 pic.twitter.com/kov5FKWkvN – 9:04 PM Minnesota Timberwolves @Timberwolves
double clutch floater. nice with it @Patrick Beverley pic.twitter.com/yyMeaarH65 – 9:03 PM Dallas Mavericks @dallasmavs
THE 🐂 IS BACK. – 9:00 PM Dallas Mavericks @dallasmavs
LET’S GET IT. – 8:58 PM Dallas Mavericks @dallasmavs
No tic-tac-toe this time. – 8:53 PM Dallas Mavericks @dallasmavs
5 min, MFFLs. – 8:52 PM Dallas Mavericks PR @MavsPR
Per the officiating crew, will be no further delays and tonight’s game between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves will start in 5 minutes. – 8:52 PM Minnesota Timberwolves @Timberwolves
15 minute delay…. pic.twitter.com/B8ubsfoFBP – 8:48 PM Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Towels being put on floor near Minnesota bench.
Home court advantage? – 8:42 PM Dallas Mavericks PR @MavsPR
Tonight’s game between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves will be delayed 5 minutes due to a roof leak.
The situation will be reevaluated at the end of the 5-minute window. – 8:40 PM Mark Followill @MFollowill
5 min delay for Mavs vs Timberwolves at American Airlines Center. Apparently a leak in the roof is getting some water on the playing surface right in front of the Timberwolves bench. – 8:39 PM Christopher Hine @ChristopherHine
There will be a 5-minute delay because of a leak near the Timberwolves bench. – 8:39 PM Minnesota Timberwolves @Timberwolves
it’s about that time. pic.twitter.com/kzzVx5EETk – 8:38 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
After some time thinking about the schedule, I think Nuggets fans should be rooting for the Mavericks to beat the T’Wolves both tonight and on Friday. – 8:36 PM Christopher Hine @ChristopherHine
There are some nasty thunderstorms with tornado watches moving through Texas and the Dallas area tonight, so will be interesting to see how that affects the crowd here in the arena at the start and overall. – 8:27 PM Minnesota Timberwolves @Timberwolves
wait for…. @D’Angelo Russell 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/RPt37ZueAo – 8:24 PM Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
Rui Hachimura is starting and thriving. 10 points and 4 reb on 4-4 FG and 2-2 3PT in 6 min. – 8:23 PM Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Mavs starters: Bullock, DFS, Powell, Brunson, Doncic
MIN starters: Edwards, Vanderbilt, Towns, Russell, Beverley.
7:40 tip @theeagledallas – 8:15 PM Minnesota Timberwolves @Timberwolves
LET’S GO pic.twitter.com/avKlqzAZb4 – 8:10 PM Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
There’s this lingering question with the Wolves: How good are they, actually?
Best record in the NBA since All Star, but their opponents have actively tanked or rested players against them.
10 games left, starting with Dallas tonight, that can totally shut that narrative up. – 8:07 PM Minnesota Timberwolves @Timberwolves
Tonight’s @MayoClinic Status Report:
Karl-Anthony Towns and Naz Reid are AVAILABLE. Jaden McDaniels (Left Ankle Sprain) is OUT. pic.twitter.com/nkpuSmMNdw – 8:06 PM Mark Followill @MFollowill
Reggie Bullock returns to the starting lineup for the Mavs tonight after being out the last 4 games. Luka-Brunson-DFS-Powell is the rest of the lineup. Dinwiddie will play off bench. Mavs vs Timberwolves at 730p on BSSW. – 8:06 PM Dallas Mavericks @dallasmavs
Your first five on the floor.
@ModeloUSA | #FightingSpirit pic.twitter.com/jorpo4lsFK – 8:01 PM Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
Karl-Anthony Towns is IN tonight – 7:59 PM Dallas Mavericks @dallasmavs
Home cookin’ 👨‍🍳
@TISSOT | #MFFL pic.twitter.com/PCWwhCZNIM – 7:52 PM Mark Followill @MFollowill
For the Mavs vs Timberwolves tonight, Davis Bertans is out (right knee soreness). Coverage starts with Mavs Live at 7p on BSSW – 7:50 PM Minnesota Timberwolves @Timberwolves
locked in 🔒 pic.twitter.com/i7q8V94rft – 7:36 PM Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
My @PrizePicks for Wolves-Mavs
Vanderbilt over 6.5 points
Vanderbilt over 8.5 rebounds
Vanderbilt over 1.5 blocks + steals
Doncic under 49.5 points + rebounds + assists
Powell over 5.5 rebounds – 7:20 PM Minnesota Timberwolves @Timberwolves
PatBev 🤝 Boban pic.twitter.com/aNPVB3ce01 – 7:18 PM Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Mavericks look to avoid a three-game losing streak tonight vs. Timberwolves. They haven’t lost three consecutive since early December, when they slipped below .500 at 11-12 with three straight home L’s. – 7:14 PM Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
New Dunc’d On Prime: Is Golden State In Trouble? Can Dallas Ever Stay Out of Trouble? And Teams Start Accepting the Inevitable with @Danny Leroux. Join us: duncdon.supportingcast.fm/join – 7:09 PM Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
Chris Finch had no official word on Karl-Anthony Towns’ forearm. So sounds like it is a game-time decision.
Finch said KAT’s forearm is doing “OK” – 7:05 PM Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Per JKidd: Bullock starts tonight vs MIN – 6:57 PM Brad Townsend @townbrad
Bertans is out, Kidd says. Right knee soreness. – 6:49 PM Dallas Mavericks PR @MavsPR
Dāvis Bertāns (right knee soreness), Tim Hardaway Jr. (left foot surgery) and Theo Pinson (right fifth finger fracture) will all miss tonight’s game against the Timberwolves. – 6:49 PM Minnesota Timberwolves @Timberwolves
😼😼😼 pic.twitter.com/JClOguXv2h – 6:37 PM Minnesota Timberwolves @Timberwolves
📍Dallas, Texas pic.twitter.com/4uHBQnUQoS – 6:17 PM Jordan Schultz @Schultz_Report
Breaking: FA S Jayron Kearse is re-signing with the #Cowboys, per source.
Kearse, 28, comes off his best season yet — totaling 101 tackles, 9 TFLs, 2 INTs and 10 pass breakups for Dallas. – 5:51 PM Minnesota Timberwolves @Timberwolves
who’s ready for this one? 🐺 pic.twitter.com/HI4OLGGFsX – 5:40 PM Brad Townsend @townbrad
Mr. @YumCaleb enlightens us with
10 things to know about Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie, including interest in crypto and more dallasnews.com/sports/maveric… – 5:28 PM Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Jayson Tatum, Karl-Anthony Towns named NBA Players of the Week sportando.basketball/en/jayson-tatu… – 4:15 PM Minnesota Timberwolves @Timberwolves
115 pts.,
36 reb.,
56.9 FG%,
92.5 FT%,
60.0 3P%,
and a perfect 3-0 record.
@Karl-Anthony Towns is on another level. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/9NKm2fwLZB – 3:56 PM Mark Followill @MFollowill
After a 60 point game last week & avg 38 pts/12 rebs in 3 games, Karl-Anthony Towns of the Timberwolves is the West Player of the Week. KAT & the T-Wolves visit the Mavs tonight (730p, BSSW). Dallas plays up there Fri. Mavs are 5th & MIN 6th, so 2 critical standings-related games – 3:46 PM Christopher Hine @ChristopherHine
Chris Finch, from shootaround here in Dallas earlier today:
“These games, when you’re fighting with these teams, they’re worth double in a lot of ways. Ten games to go. Right in the start of a really tough stretch but I think our guys are ready to play.” – 3:44 PM Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
Karl-Anthony Towns wins Western Conference player of the week. This week Towns averaged…
38.3 points per game
12.0 rebounds
3.0 assists
55.2% shooting from 2
60% shooting from 3
The Wolves outscored their opponents (SAS, LAL, MIL) by 59 points in the 94 minutes Towns played – 3:39 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Devin Booker (30.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 5.0 APG, 56.6 FG%, 41.4 3P%, 4-0 record) and Deandre Ayton (18.3 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 63.8 FG%) were nominated for Western Conference Player of the Week.
Karl-Anthony Towns (38.3 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 3.0 APG, 56.9 FG%, 60 3P%, 3-0 record) won it – 3:35 PM Minnesota Timberwolves @Timberwolves
For the third time this season….
𝙔𝙊𝙐𝙍 𝙒𝙀𝙎𝙏𝙀𝙍𝙉 𝘾𝙊𝙉𝙁𝙀𝙍𝙀𝙉𝘾𝙀 𝙋𝙇𝘼𝙔𝙀𝙍 𝙊𝙁 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙒𝙀𝙀𝙆
🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/TlKPknyVi4 – 3:31 PM Cody Taylor @CodyTaylorNBA
Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum have been named the NBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for Week 22 of the 2021-22 season (March 14 – 20). pic.twitter.com/hEYBur270b – 3:31 PM Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
NBA Players of the Week for Week 22: Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns and Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. – 3:30 PM Dallas Mavericks @dallasmavs
Mondays hit different when it’s game day.
@MichelobULTRA | #ULTRAMoment pic.twitter.com/o5aWmzl8x8 – 3:30 PM Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns and Boston’s Jayson Tatum were just named Western and Eastern Conference Player of the Week by the NBA.
More NBA from me: marcstein.substack.com – 3:30 PM Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
I’m curious to see who Chris Finch puts on Luka tonight.
Feels like the assumption is that it will be Ant — because McDaniels is out.
But I think the way Finch handled the rotation against the Lakers and Bucks (and all season) suggests Vanderbilt would be first up on Luka. – 2:37 PM