Timberwolves Dominate Short-Handed Mavericks 118-103: Edwards' 38 Points Lead Rout

By SportSphere24 Editorial Team | Updated: Jan 29, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves capitalized on a Luka Doncic-less Dallas Mavericks squad, cruising to a 118-103 victory at the Target Center. Anthony Edwards put on a scoring clinic with 38 points, reaffirming Minnesota's place as a Western Conference contender.

The Scoreboard: Timberwolves vs. Mavericks

Game Analysis: Ant-Man Takes Over

This game was a tale of two teams: one surging with its full arsenal, the other battling valiantly but ultimately outmatched without its MVP.

1. Anthony Edwards: Unstoppable Force

"Ant-Man" was in peak form, hitting tough jumpers and driving relentlessly to the basket. His 38 points came on an efficient 14-of-25 shooting, including 5 three-pointers, demonstrating why he's climbing MVP ladders.

"We knew they were without Luka, so the message was to be aggressive from the jump," Edwards told TNT post-game.

2. Mavericks' Valiant Effort Without Luka

Dallas, still reeling from Luka Doncic's ankle injury (sustained against the Cavaliers), showed grit despite the uphill battle.

• Kyrie Irving led the Mavs with 28 points and 7 assists, attempting to carry the offensive load.

• Dereck Lively II continued to impress with 16 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing his growth as a rim protector and finisher.

• However, the absence of Doncic's playmaking and scoring proved too significant to overcome against a top-tier Timberwolves defense.

3. Timberwolves' Balanced Attack

Beyond Edwards, Minnesota saw strong performances from its supporting cast:

• Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points and 8 rebounds.

• Rudy Gobert was a defensive anchor with 12 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks.

• The Timberwolves' bench also contributed valuable minutes, ensuring Dallas never truly threatened a comeback.

Stat Leaders & Performance Metrics