The Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off a heart-stopping 115-114 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas — a game that came down to the final second, left bettors reeling, and reminded everyone why NBA basketball at its best feels like pure theater.
A Game of Momentum Swings
The Timberwolves started slow, trailing 22-17 after the first quarter. But then came the explosion: 38 points in the second, a barrage of threes and drives that flipped the script. By halftime, Minnesota led 55-53. The Mavericks, led by Kyrie Irving — who dropped 36 points on 10-of-15 shooting — clawed back. They tied it at 67 with 7:52 left in the third, then pushed ahead briefly in the fourth. But every time Dallas seemed to seize control, Minnesota answered.
Jaden McDaniels, the 23-year-old forward wearing #3, was the unsung engine. His 27 points and 8 rebounds weren’t flashy, but they were relentless. He guarded P.J. Washington (30 points, 7 rebounds) in the paint, switched onto Irving on the perimeter, and hit clutch mid-range jumpers when the Mavericks collapsed on the paint. Meanwhile, Mike Conley, the 37-year-old veteran point guard, delivered like a man half his age: 18 points, 8 assists, and a perfect 4-of-4 from deep. His final three — with 1:12 left — gave Minnesota a 113-111 lead and silenced a crowd that had been roaring since Irving hit his 30th point with 2:28 to go.
The Spread That Broke the Bank
Here’s the twist: The Timberwolves were favored by 4 points. To cover, they needed to win by five or more. They won by one. That meant bettors who backed the Mavericks — despite their 2-5 record in their last seven games — won big. Fox Sports reported that more than 62% of public money was on Minnesota, making this one of the most lopsided betting lines to backfire this season. It’s the kind of game that turns casual fans into hard-core gamblers — and gamblers into believers in chaos.
And yet, Dallas didn’t lose because of poor shooting. Irving was perfect from the line (8-of-8). Washington was efficient (12-of-22). Daniel Gafford (12 points, 9 rebounds) dominated the glass. But the Mavericks’ bench, which included Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Klay Thompson (11 points, 3-of-11 shooting), couldn’t match Minnesota’s depth. The Wolves’ reserves — Rob Dillingham, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Joe Ingles — combined for 24 points and kept the offense flowing when starters rested.
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. The Timberwolves, now 32-24, are clinging to the 7th seed in the Western Conference — one game ahead of the Sacramento Kings and one behind the Portland Trail Blazers. Every win counts. And this one, on the road, against a team with playoff aspirations, could be the difference between a first-round exit and a deep run.
For Dallas? They’re 28-28, stuck in the middle of the West’s logjam. Irving’s brilliance isn’t enough when the team lacks consistent defensive intensity. Klay Thompson, once a three-time champion, is averaging just 14.2 points this season — his lowest since 2015. The Mavericks’ identity is still in flux. They’ve got star power, but not yet cohesion.
And then there’s Anthony Edwards. He didn’t score 30. He didn’t even play 35 minutes. But his presence — his gravity — pulled defenders away from McDaniels and Conley. He finished with 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. He didn’t need to be the hero. He just needed to be there.
What Comes Next?
The Timberwolves host the Denver Nuggets on Friday. The Mavericks travel to Phoenix on Saturday. Both teams play again in Minnesota on March 15 — a potential playoff preview. If this game is any indication, that rematch will be even more intense.
For now, the NBA world is buzzing about one thing: how a 1-point win, a failed spread, and a 37-year-old point guard hitting four straight threes can redefine a season’s momentum. Sometimes, the most important numbers aren’t on the scoreboard — they’re in the betting lines, in the locker room conversations, in the quiet confidence of a team that knows it can win when everything’s on the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Timberwolves win without Anthony Edwards dominating the scoring?
Edwards scored 19 points but didn’t need to carry the offense. His defensive pressure and spacing created openings for Jaden McDaniels and Mike Conley, who combined for 45 points. The Wolves’ balanced attack — five players in double figures — overwhelmed Dallas’s reliance on Kyrie Irving and P.J. Washington. It showed their depth and coaching strategy under Chris Finch.
Why didn’t the Mavericks cover the 4-point spread despite Kyrie Irving’s 36-point performance?
Irving’s scoring wasn’t enough to overcome Minnesota’s team defense and bench production. Dallas’s supporting cast — including Klay Thompson and Olivier-Maxence Prosper — shot poorly and struggled to generate consistent offense. The Timberwolves’ ability to score in transition and hit clutch threes, especially from Conley, made the difference. The spread was based on Minnesota’s home strength, but Dallas’s road performance has been inconsistent this season.
What role did Mike Conley play in the final minutes?
Conley, at 37, was the calm in the storm. He hit four straight three-pointers in the fourth quarter, including the go-ahead shot with 1:12 left. His 8 assists came at critical moments, often finding McDaniels in the corner or Edwards cutting to the basket. He didn’t turn the ball over once. His poise under pressure was the quiet catalyst — a veteran’s mastery of timing and spacing.
How does this win affect Minnesota’s playoff chances?
The Timberwolves moved to 32-24, securing a top-8 seed in the West. With only 26 games left, every road win matters. This victory, against a team with playoff pedigree, proves they can win without Edwards exploding. If they maintain this level of balanced play — especially from their bench — they could be a dangerous 7th or 8th seed in the playoffs, capable of upsetting higher seeds.
Is Klay Thompson still a key player for the Mavericks?
He’s still a starter, but his role has shifted. Thompson scored 11 points on 3-of-11 shooting in this game, his lowest efficiency in weeks. Dallas relies on him for spacing and veteran leadership, but he’s no longer a go-to scorer. His minutes are down to 28 per game, and his three-point shooting has dipped to 34% — well below his career average. The Mavericks need him to find rhythm, or they’ll struggle to compete in tight games like this one.
What’s the significance of the American Airlines Center as a venue for this game?
The American Airlines Center is one of the NBA’s loudest arenas, especially when the Mavericks are in playoff contention. The crowd noise reached 112 decibels in the fourth quarter — loud enough to disrupt communication. For Minnesota to win here, on the road, against a fired-up home team, shows real mental toughness. It’s a win that resonates beyond the standings — it builds confidence for their upcoming tough road stretch.