The Dallas Mavericks came in thinking it would be an easy win and that was evident, as the Wolves jumped out to an early yet small lead and maintained it and stayed right with the Mavs.  

Surprising for the Wolves as they were without All-Star Kevin Love (who’s nursing groin and knee injuries) and Michael Beasley was still shaken up from that hard foul committed by Andrew Bynum on March 18th and played just 24 minutes and contributed just 12 points, 6 boards and 5 turnovers!

However, it was Love’s replacement in the starting lineup that kept the Wolves close.  Anthony Randolph got his first start of the season and first start for the Wolves last night and he made the most of it!  AR dumped in a career-high 31 points (previously 28), 11 rebounds and had 3 assists, 2 steals and a block and went head-to-head with Dirk Nowitzki.

With 1:17 remaining in the game Jonny Flynn slashed inside for a layup to make it 98-96 Dallas, however a three by Jason Terry put the Mavs up 101-96.  The final score had the Mavs winning 104-96 propelled by a late 4th quarter 11-2 run.

Dallas as usual was led by their All-Star and former MVP Dirk Nowitzki, who had 30 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists.  Jason Terry had 18 off the bench and Peja added 16 off the pine as well.  Shawn Marion started and contributed 17.

Minnesota was led by Randolph with 31 points, Jonny Flynn had 13 off the bench, Beasley had 12 and Johnson and Tolliver each had 11.

The Minnesota Timberwolves fall to 17-55 on the season as the Dallas Mavericks improved to 50-21 (their 11th straight 50-win season).  

The Timberwolves will face the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight.  Tipoff is set for 7pmCT and a full-gameday preview can be found on this site shortly.  Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES

UPDATE: Kevin Love didn’t make the road trip to Dallas, he’s currently nursing a strained groin. He’ll miss both games on this road trip. Anthony Randolph will get the start in his place.

On Thursday the Minnesota Timberwolves will match up against one of the best teams in the West, a team with a lot of depth and an abundance of veteran presence, seemingly the opposite from the T’Wolves.

Both teams last played on Sunday. The Timberwolves matched up against the Sacramento Kings and were blown out by 32 points (a full-recap in a previous post). The Mavericks matched up against the Golden State Warriors, the result was a 101-73, a 28-point win.

The Wolves and Mavs have met up twice thus far. Both were losses for the Timberwolves. The first was a 100-86 loss in Dallas, the second came earlier this month (3-7) at the Target Center a narrow 3-point loss for the Wolves 108-105.

The Mavericks are two deep at every position (expect maybe PF: Dirk & Brian Cardinal, although in their last two meetings his lit his former team up from deep and frustrated his former teammate: Love, in the post) and they’re a group of experienced and title contending players, headed for the playoffs.

If it’s another lackluster performance like Sunday, the Wolves could be blown out once again by thirty or more! Furthermore, with both Michael Beasley and Kevin Love currently nursing injuries, the Wolves will likely struggle Thursday night.

Tipoff is set for 7pmCT and a full-gameday recap can be found on this site following the final horn! Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!