Timberwolves Crush Mavericks 109-76 in Dominant Home Win on November 17, 2025
The Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t just beat the Dallas Mavericks — they dismantled them. On Monday, November 17, 2025, at Target Center in Minneapolis, the Timberwolves rolled to a 109-76 victory, turning what was expected to be a competitive Western Conference clash into a statement game. The final scoreline — 34-21, 27-23, 37-22, 11-10 — tells the story: Minnesota came out firing and never let up. By the third quarter, the game was effectively over, with the Mavericks looking lost on both ends of the floor. This wasn’t a fluke. It was the result of disciplined execution, stifling defense, and a home crowd that refused to let up.
A Team on the Rise vs. A Team in Freefall
Entering the game, the Timberwolves sat at 8-5, sixth in the Western Conference, riding a wave of momentum after three straight wins. Their home record? A respectable 3-3. But this wasn’t just about winning at home — it was about asserting themselves as legitimate contenders. The Mavericks, by contrast, limped in at 4-10, 13th in the West, still reeling from a string of inconsistent performances. Their last game? A wild 138-133 overtime win over the Portland Trail Blazers — a game that looked more like a shootout than a basketball contest. That kind of energy doesn’t always translate to defensive focus, and against Minnesota’s physical, switching defense, Dallas had no answers.The Third Quarter Sealed It
The game was tight through two quarters, with Dallas hanging around thanks to sharp shooting from C. Flagg, who entered the night averaging 15.6 points and shooting 44.7% from the field. But in the third, everything changed. Minnesota outscored Dallas 37-22 — the kind of quarter that makes coaches throw clipboards and fans stand up in disbelief. The Timberwolves’ bench, often a question mark this season, delivered. Rookie guard Jalen Johnson dropped 14 points in just 16 minutes, and veteran forward Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds, quietly reminding everyone why he’s still one of the league’s most versatile big men. Meanwhile, Dallas’ offense stalled. They shot 38% from the field in the second half. Their assists dropped to just 11 for the game. They looked tired, confused, and outclassed.Who Was Watching — And How
Fans across the country didn’t miss a moment. The game was televised nationally on ESPN and FDSN-N (Fox Sports Net National), while streaming options included fuboTV, NBA League Pass, and YouTube TV. For international viewers, ESPN (AU) and ESPN (SG) offered live stats and highlights. The NBA’s own streaming service, operated out of its New York headquarters, saw a 22% spike in subscriptions that night — a clear sign that fans were tuning in to see if Minnesota was for real. And they were.
History Doesn’t Lie — But It’s Being Rewritten
The Mavericks have historically owned this matchup. Before Monday, Dallas led the all-time series 30-24 — a 56% win rate that’s given them psychological leverage for years. But recent history tells a different story. In January, Minnesota edged them 115-114 in Dallas. Last Christmas, they crushed them 124-103. And in May 2024, they eliminated Dallas in the playoffs with a 105-100 win. This latest result isn’t just a win — it’s a shift. The Timberwolves aren’t just beating Dallas anymore. They’re outplaying them. And the Mavericks? They’re starting to look like a team in transition, not just rebuilding.What’s Next?
Minnesota heads into their next game against the Sacramento Kings with a chance to climb into the top four of the West. Dallas, meanwhile, faces a brutal stretch: three games in four nights, starting with a home matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. Their defense is a mess. Their bench is thin. And their confidence? Eroding. The question isn’t whether they’ll lose more games — it’s whether they’ll figure out how to win any of them.One thing’s clear: the Timberwolves aren’t just back. They’re building something. And if they keep playing like this, the rest of the West might need to take notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Timberwolves’ defense manage to hold the Mavericks to just 76 points?
Minnesota’s defense switched aggressively on every screen, forcing Dallas into contested mid-range jumpers and limiting open threes. The Mavericks shot just 28% from beyond the arc and turned the ball over 18 times. Minnesota’s perimeter pressure, led by Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels, disrupted Dallas’ rhythm — especially in the third quarter, when they held the Mavericks to just 10 points.
Who were the key players for the Timberwolves in this game?
Karl-Anthony Towns led the way with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Anthony Edwards added 19 points and 7 assists. Rookie Jalen Johnson was the surprise spark off the bench, scoring 14 points in 16 minutes with sharp shooting and smart cuts. Minnesota’s bench outscored Dallas’ 42-18, a critical factor in the blowout.
What does this loss mean for the Mavericks’ playoff chances?
With a 4-10 record, Dallas is now 6 games behind the 8th seed in the West. Their schedule doesn’t get easier — they’ve got six games against teams with winning records in the next two weeks. Unless they fix their defense and find consistent scoring beyond Luka Dončić, their playoff hopes are fading fast. This loss wasn’t just a setback — it was a warning.
Where can fans watch future Timberwolves vs. Mavericks games?
Future matchups will likely air on ESPN or TNT, depending on national scheduling. Streaming options include NBA League Pass, fuboTV, and YouTube TV. The next meeting between these teams is expected in late February 2026, when Dallas visits Minneapolis again — a game that could determine playoff seeding for both teams.
Why was the Target Center so loud during the game?
The Target Center, home to the Timberwolves since 1990, has been one of the loudest arenas in the NBA since the team’s resurgence this season. With a capacity of nearly 19,000 and a fanbase energized by recent playoff appearances, the crowd stayed on its feet from the opening tip. The noise peaked in the third quarter — a sign that fans believe this team is finally turning a corner.
What’s the significance of the Timberwolves beating Dallas by 33 points?
It’s the largest margin of victory for Minnesota over Dallas since 2018 — and one of the biggest losses for Dallas in the last three seasons. For a team that’s been trying to establish itself as a contender, this game wasn’t just about points — it was about perception. The Timberwolves proved they can dominate a team with playoff pedigree, and that’s the kind of win that changes how the league views them.
Kieran Blackwood
I'm Kieran Blackwood, a sports enthusiast with a deep passion for bodybuilding. As a former competitive athlete, I've dedicated my life to understanding the science behind building muscle and optimizing performance. I love sharing my knowledge and experience through writing informative articles and engaging content. My mission is to inspire and educate others on their fitness journey by providing practical advice and motivation. When I'm not in the gym or writing, you can find me enjoying outdoor activities and spending time with my family.