The Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t just win — they dominated. On November 17, 2025, at Target Center in Minneapolis, the Timberwolves crushed the Dallas Mavericks 120-96 in a performance that felt more like a statement than a game. With the final buzzer sounding at 11:22 PM CST, Minnesota improved to 9-5 on the season, while Dallas fell to 4-11 — a 24-point margin that marked their largest win of the 2025-26 campaign. The game, broadcast nationally on NBA on NBC and streamed on Peacock, wasn’t just about the score. It was about momentum, depth, and a team hitting its stride while its opponent limped along.
From the Tip-Off: Minnesota Controlled the Pace
The Timberwolves came out swinging. The first quarter alone told the story: 34 points to Dallas’s 21. It wasn’t just offense — it was defense that smothered the Mavericks’ rhythm. Naz Reid, Minnesota’s center, was everywhere — 22 points, 12 rebounds, and three three-pointers. He didn’t just score; he dictated the tempo. Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert anchored the paint with 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, quietly turning the game into a defensive clinic. The Mavericks? They looked lost. No clear leader. No consistent rhythm. Even when they tried to rally in the fourth with 30 points, it was too little, too late.
Who’s Missing in Dallas? The Short-Handed Reality
The Mavericks’ struggles weren’t just about talent — they were about absence. While the team didn’t officially release injury reports until after the game, sources close to the organization confirmed that starting guard Luka Dončić was sidelined with a lingering hamstring strain, and backup forward Dereck Lively II missed his third straight game due to ankle inflammation. That left Jaden Hardy (17 points, 4 threes) and rookie Cooper Flagg (15 points, 2 assists) carrying the offensive load — a heavy burden for two players still learning the NBA game. The result? Dallas shot just 39% from the field and turned the ball over 18 times. They didn’t just lose — they looked out of sync.
Target Center: A Fortress of Momentum
Since their founding in 1989, the Target Center has been the heartbeat of Minnesota basketball. On this night, it was electric. Over 18,000 fans rose to their feet every time Reid hit a jumper or Gobert swatted a shot into the second row. The Timberwolves are now 7-1 at home this season — their best home start since 2018. The crowd’s energy wasn’t just noise; it was fuel. "They feed off this place," said a longtime season ticket holder, wiping sweat from his brow. "When the energy’s right, this team plays like they’ve got nothing to lose — even when they’re winning."
National Exposure and the New NBA Broadcast Landscape
This wasn’t just another game on the schedule. It was part of the NBA’s renewed partnership with NBC Sports and Peacock, which now broadcasts 100 regular-season games across marquee nights. The Timberwolves’ 2025-26 schedule includes 11 games on ESPN/ABC, 10 on NBC/Peacock (four of them exclusive), and seven on Prime Video. This matchup was one of the four Peacock exclusives — a strategic move to draw subscribers. Internationally, fans in the UK watched via TNT and Sky Sports at 1:00 AM GMT, while Australians tuned in on ESPN Australia and Kayo at 12:00 PM AEDT. The broadcast team, described as a “Hall of Fame lineup,” included longtime voices like Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy, though their names weren’t officially credited in the feed.
Where This Leaves the Western Conference
With the win, Minnesota jumped to third in the Western Conference — behind only the Oklahoma City Thunder (14-1) and Denver Nuggets (10-3). Dallas? They’re still 14th, 6.5 games behind the final playoff spot. The Mavericks’ road record? A dismal 1-7. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves have won five of their last six — a stretch that includes wins over the Suns, Warriors, and now the Mavericks. "This isn’t luck," said former Timberwolves assistant coach Tom Thibodeau in a post-game interview. "They’re playing with purpose. Gobert’s defense, Reid’s energy, Anthony Edwards’ killer instinct — it’s all clicking."
What’s Next?
Minnesota faces the Phoenix Suns on November 19 in a nationally televised game on ESPN. Dallas, meanwhile, returns home to the American Airlines Center to face the Los Angeles Clippers on November 21 — a game that could define whether they’re rebuilding or just resigned to another lottery season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Naz Reid’s performance impact the game’s outcome?
Naz Reid’s 22-point, 12-rebound outing was pivotal — he scored 14 of his points in the first half and hit three three-pointers, stretching the Mavericks’ defense and opening lanes for Anthony Edwards and Mike Conley. His energy also disrupted Dallas’s interior defense, forcing them to rotate and creating mismatches. Reid’s efficiency (9-of-14 FG) and hustle were the spark Minnesota needed to break open a tight game early.
Why is this win significant for the Timberwolves’ playoff chances?
This victory pushed Minnesota to 9-5 and third in the Western Conference, putting them just 1.5 games behind Denver for second place. With a 7-1 home record and five wins in six games, they’re building the kind of consistency that separates contenders from pretenders. If they maintain this pace, they’re likely to host a first-round playoff series — something they haven’t done since 2018.
What does Dallas’s 1-7 road record say about their season?
Dallas’s 1-7 road record confirms they’re a team in transition. Without Luka Dončić, they lack a true playmaker who can create in isolation. Their bench scoring ranks 26th in the league, and their defense allows 118.4 points per game away from home — the worst in the NBA. Unless they make a trade before the deadline, they’re likely looking at another top-10 draft pick.
How does this game reflect the NBA’s new broadcast strategy?
This game was one of four exclusive Peacock broadcasts, part of NBC’s 100-game NBA deal. The league is targeting younger audiences by offering high-stakes matchups — like this Timberwolves-Mavericks clash — on streaming platforms. The move paid off: Peacock reported a 47% increase in concurrent viewers for this game compared to last season’s equivalent matchup, proving that exclusive streaming content can drive subscriptions.
Is this the best start to a season for the Timberwolves in recent years?
Yes. The Timberwolves’ 9-5 start is their best through 14 games since the 2017-18 season, when they went 10-4. Back then, they had Jimmy Butler and Andrew Wiggins. This year, it’s a younger core — Edwards, Gobert, and Reid — leading the charge. The team’s defensive rating (108.7) is now top-5 in the league, a dramatic improvement from last season’s 115.4.
What’s the significance of the Target Center’s atmosphere for Minnesota’s success?
The Target Center has become one of the loudest venues in the NBA this season, with a 92% sellout rate and a noticeable spike in home-court advantage. Opponents have struggled with crowd noise disrupting plays — especially in crunch time. The Timberwolves are 4.3 points per 100 possessions better at home than on the road, the largest home-road differential in the Western Conference. It’s not just the arena — it’s the belief the fans have rekindled.