Anthony Edwards delivered a signature Christmas performance, dropping 26 points to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 105-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The win wasn’t pretty in the final minutes — but it was decisive. And it all changed when Luka Doncic, the Mavericks’ All-Star guard, went down with an ankle injury late in the third quarter. The crowd fell silent. The momentum shifted. And the Timberwolves, despite a fourth-quarter collapse of their own, held on for their first win of the 2024-25 season.
First Three Quarters: Minnesota Builds a Wall
The Timberwolves didn’t just outplay the Mavericks — they outclassed them. Through the first 36 minutes, Minnesota’s offense hummed like a well-tuned engine. They scored 26 in the first, 31 in the second, and 33 in the third. That 90-point total through three quarters? It was the most points any team had scored in the first three quarters of a Christmas Day game since 2019. Donte DiVincenzo, playing nearly 25 minutes off the bench, hit three clutch threes. Mike Conley, at 37 years old, ran the floor like he was 27, dishing out seven assists and keeping the ball moving. And Naz Reid? He was a force inside, grabbing eight rebounds in just over 21 minutes.The Mavericks? They were lost. Especially in the second quarter. After a decent start, they went ice cold — scoring just 16 points while Minnesota poured in 31. It wasn’t just missed shots. It was bad rotations, lazy passes, and a lack of urgency. You could feel the tension in the American Airlines Center. Fans started checking their watches. The game felt over.
Doncic’s Injury: The Turning Point
Then, with 2:14 left in the third, it happened. Doncic drove left, pulled up for a jumper, and landed awkwardly on his right ankle. He didn’t make contact with anyone. One moment he was in control. The next, he was on the floor, grimacing, clutching his foot. The arena held its breath. He tried to walk it off. He even took two steps toward the bench. But he couldn’t put weight on it. He had to be helped to the locker room.He didn’t return. The Mavericks’ offense, which had been running through him all season, suddenly had no heartbeat. Kyrie Irving tried to carry the load, but without Doncic’s playmaking, Dallas looked disjointed. The injury wasn’t just physical — it was psychological. The Mavericks’ confidence evaporated. And Minnesota, sensing blood, didn’t let up.
Fourth Quarter: Dallas Rallies — Too Little, Too Late
Here’s the twist: Dallas didn’t quit. Not even close.In the fourth, they outscored Minnesota 31-15. Kyrie Irving scored 13 of his 28 points in the final frame. Spencer Dinwiddie hit two threes. Daniel Gafford dunked through contact. The crowd roared. The Mavericks clawed back from a 17-point deficit to within three with 1:12 left. It was electric. It was desperate. And it almost worked.
But the Timberwolves didn’t panic. Edwards, who had been quiet in the fourth, hit a step-back jumper with 47 seconds left — his only field goal of the period — to push the lead back to five. Then, after a Mavericks turnover, Conley iced the game with two free throws. The final buzzer didn’t just end a game — it ended Dallas’s hopes of a Christmas miracle.
Standings Shake-Up: A Tight Western Race
With the win, the Minnesota Timberwolves improved to 1-0. They’re now tied with the Utah Jazz, San Antonio Spurs, and Memphis Grizzlies at the top of the Western Conference — all at 1-0. Only the Oklahoma City Thunder sit ahead, at 2-0.The Mavericks, meanwhile, fell to 0-1. Their early-season momentum, built on Doncic’s brilliance, is now in question. Is he okay? Will he miss time? And if he does, can Irving carry this team alone? Those questions hang over Dallas like a storm cloud.
What’s clear? The West is wide open. Five teams are tied for second. The race isn’t just for the top — it’s for survival. Every game matters now.
What’s Next?
Minnesota heads home to Minneapolis to face the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. Edwards will need to keep his scoring touch — especially if Minnesota wants to stay in the top tier. Dallas? They’ll wait for medical updates on Doncic. If he’s out more than a week, the Mavericks’ playoff hopes could slip. This wasn’t just a loss. It was a potential turning point.Frequently Asked Questions
How serious is Luka Doncic’s injury?
Initial reports suggest a high ankle sprain, which typically sidelines players 4-6 weeks. Doncic didn’t return after the third quarter, and the Mavericks called it "day-to-day." But given his history of ankle issues — including a missed 2022 playoffs due to a similar injury — this could be more than a minor setback. A full MRI is expected within 48 hours.
Why did Minnesota win despite scoring only 15 points in the fourth quarter?
They built a 17-point lead through three quarters — the largest margin any team had held on Christmas Day since 2017. Even with a poor final period, their earlier dominance created a cushion Dallas couldn’t erase. Plus, Minnesota’s defense held Kyrie Irving to 4-of-14 shooting in the fourth, forcing him into tough shots when the game was on the line.
Who were the key contributors for Minnesota besides Edwards?
Donte DiVincenzo was huge off the bench with 14 points and 4 rebounds in under 25 minutes. Mike Conley, at 37, played lockdown defense and distributed 7 assists. Naz Reid dominated the paint with 12 points and 8 rebounds in just over 21 minutes. Their depth, not just Edwards’ scoring, carried Minnesota through the rough patches.
How does this result affect the Western Conference standings?
Five teams — Oklahoma City, Utah, Minnesota, San Antonio, and Memphis — are now tied at 1-0. Only the Thunder sit ahead at 2-0. With the playoffs likely decided by half-game margins, every win matters. Dallas’s loss drops them to the bottom of the West, and without Doncic, they could struggle to climb back.
Is this game a sign the Timberwolves are true contenders?
It’s early, but yes — they showed they can win without Edwards going off for 40. They played disciplined basketball, shared the ball, and defended consistently. If they can maintain this level of depth and composure, especially with Karl-Anthony Towns returning from injury in January, they’re not just a playoff team — they’re a dark horse.
Why is this game significant beyond the standings?
Christmas Day games are the NBA’s showcase — they’re watched globally and set the tone for the season. This one had star power, drama, and a major injury. It reminded fans that basketball isn’t just about stats — it’s about timing, resilience, and how teams respond when everything changes in a moment. For Minnesota, it was a statement. For Dallas, it was a warning.