Mavericks show they still have Timberwolves number with convincing victory

Anthony Edwards stormed out of the gates Tuesday at Target Center, pouring in 24 points in the first quarter of the highly-anticipated Western Conference finals rematch.

The Wolves looked juiced and determined to get a small semblance of revenge on Dallas for ending their season in the spring.

They didn’t get it.

As was the case throughout that conference finals, Dallas weathered any Minnesota storm with calm and precision. Kyrie Irving led the charge with 35 points as the Mavericks topped Minnesota 120-114.

The Mavericks led by as many as 12 in the final frame. Luka Doncic — who was helped into the locker room late in the second quarter after an apparent leg injury, but then returned to start the third quarter — and Irving made one critical play after another down the stretch to thwart off a late Wolves rally. Doncic delivered the dagger with a deep triple to put Dallas back up eight with 64 seconds to play, which triggered many fans to head for the exits.

It was fitting that 3-pointer was the direct result of a Dereck Lively offensive rebound. He grabbed four of those Thursday. As a team, the Mavericks had 12 offensive rebounds leading to 23 second-chance points.

Irving and Doncic combined for 20 points in the fourth — a mere carbon copy of what transpired five months prior.

It was all enough to overcome a hot shooting night for the Wolves, who shot 49 percent from distance.

Edwards finished with 37 points, though he cooled off significantly after the hot start. Minnesota’s last gasp effort had it back to within four points with the ball with 15 seconds to play, but Edwards turned the ball over to officially conclude the contest. It was the last of 20 turnovers for the Wolves that led to 25 points going the other way for Dallas.

Julius Randle added 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Minnesota (2-2) got to the line 26 times. None of it mattered. Because while the Wolves may be more equipped to score alongside Dallas (3-1) this season with their new roster construction, they didn’t have the ability to deliver stops.

Dallas continues to have Minnesota’s number, particularly when the game is on the line.