Nov 18, 2025, Posted by: Nia Latham
On Christmas Day 2024, the Minnesota Timberwolves held off a furious rally from the Dallas Mavericks to win 105-99 in a gripping NBA holiday showdown. Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves’ electrifying 22-year-old shooting guard, dropped 26 points to lead his team through a tense final minutes, sealing the victory in front of a raucous home crowd at Target Center in Minneapolis. The win improved Minnesota’s record to 1-0 to start the 2024-2025 season, while Dallas fell to 0-1 — a familiar start that left fans wondering if another Christmas disappointment was becoming a pattern.
First Three Quarters Decide the Game
The Timberwolves didn’t just win — they controlled the tempo. They opened with 26 points in the first quarter, then exploded for 31 in the second and another 33 in the third. That 90-point first-half-to-third-quarter total was the difference-maker. Meanwhile, the Mavericks’ second quarter was a nightmare: just 16 points, their lowest scoring frame of the game. Dallas Mavericks shot 40-for-86 from the field (46.5%), but their early offensive drought left them chasing from behind. Even their scorching 53.6% three-point shooting (15-of-28) couldn’t make up for the 15-point deficit they faced entering the final period.
Luka Dončić’s Injury Alters Momentum
The twist came in the third quarter. Luka Dončić, the Mavericks’ 25-year-old Slovenian superstar, left the game briefly after a hard fall near the baseline. Though he returned, he was visibly hobbled, limiting his drives and playmaking. He finished with 29 points, but only one assist in the fourth quarter — a stark contrast to his usual 10-plus. "He’s our engine," said Jason Kidd, Dallas’s head coach, postgame. "We didn’t have the same rhythm when he was off the floor. That’s on us to adjust."
Minnesota’s defense, often criticized for inconsistency, locked in when it mattered. They held Dallas to just 10 points in the final 4:17, forcing three turnovers and two missed layups. Anthony Edwards hit a step-back three with 1:12 left that stretched the lead to seven — a dagger in a game that felt like it could’ve swung either way.
Team Effort, Not Just One Star
Edwards was the headline, but the win was a group effort. Karl-Anthony Towns added 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Mike Conley orchestrated the offense with 12 assists. The Timberwolves outrebounded Dallas 48-41 and turned 14 Mavericks turnovers into 18 points. "We showed championship mettle tonight," said Chris Finch, Minnesota’s head coach. "It’s not just about Edwards. It’s about who’s willing to guard, rebound, and make the extra pass."
For Dallas, the loss was a familiar sting. Their Christmas Day record now stands at 2-8 all-time — the worst among active NBA franchises. Minnesota, by contrast, improved to 3-7 on the holiday, their first win since 2021. The game was broadcast nationally on ABC/ESPN with the iconic trio of Mark Jones, Doris Burke, and Malika Andrews calling the action — a reminder of how much the league still values this holiday tradition.
What This Means for the Season
Minnesota’s win isn’t just about a holiday upset. It’s a statement. After years of playoff heartbreak, the Timberwolves are building a culture of resilience. They’ve won their first two games by double digits, and their defense is showing signs of growth. Meanwhile, Dallas — despite Dončić’s brilliance — continues to struggle with early-game execution. Their 0-1 start now feels like a warning sign, not a fluke.
The next chapter comes on January 15, 2025, when the teams meet again — this time at American Airlines Center in Dallas. If Dončić is healthy, it’ll be a rematch with higher stakes. But for now, Minnesota has the upper hand — and the confidence that comes with beating a top Western Conference contender on the biggest stage.
Key Stats That Mattered
- Minnesota Timberwolves: 105 points, 36-87 FG (41.4%), 10-30 3PT (33.3%), 48 rebounds, 24 assists, 15 turnovers
- Dallas Mavericks: 99 points, 40-86 FG (46.5%), 15-28 3PT (53.6%), 41 rebounds, 21 assists, 14 turnovers
- Anthony Edwards: 26 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals
- Luka Dončić: 29 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists (1 assist in 4th quarter)
- Third Quarter Margin: Timberwolves +14 (33-19)
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Anthony Edwards perform compared to Luka Dončić in this game?
Anthony Edwards led all scorers with 26 points and added 5 rebounds and 4 assists, while also making key defensive plays in the final minutes. Luka Dončić matched him with 29 points but was far less effective down the stretch, recording just one assist in the fourth quarter after an injury scare in the third. Edwards’ efficiency (9-of-20 FG) and clutch shooting — including a critical three-pointer with 1:12 left — gave Minnesota the edge when it mattered most.
Why did the Mavericks lose despite shooting better from three-point range?
Dallas made 15 of 28 three-pointers (53.6%), but they were too reliant on them. Their early offensive struggles — especially the 16-point second quarter — left them playing catch-up. Minnesota’s defense forced them into difficult shots late, and Dallas’s lack of ball movement (only 21 assists) meant they couldn’t sustain their momentum. Rebounding (48-41) and turnover differential (15-14) also tilted the game in Minnesota’s favor.
What’s the significance of this being a Christmas Day game?
The NBA has featured Christmas Day games since 1947, and they’re among the most-watched regular-season matchups. For the Timberwolves, this was their first Christmas game since 2021 — and their first win since 2017. For Dallas, it’s their 10th straight Christmas loss in the last 12 years. These games carry cultural weight, and winning them signals a team’s arrival on the national stage — something Minnesota is clearly building toward.
How did the Timberwolves’ coaching staff adjust after the third quarter?
Head coach Chris Finch shifted to a more physical defensive scheme in the fourth, doubling Dončić whenever he crossed half-court and forcing other Mavericks to beat them. They also increased ball movement, leading to 12 assists in the final 12 minutes — up from just 7 in the first three quarters. The adjustments neutralized Dallas’s late surge and kept Minnesota’s lead intact despite the Mavericks scoring 31 points in the quarter.
What’s next for both teams after this game?
The Timberwolves next play on December 27 against the Denver Nuggets at Target Center, while the Mavericks head to Phoenix to face the Suns on December 28. Their next head-to-head matchup is on January 15, 2025, at American Airlines Center. If Dončić is healthy, it’ll be a pivotal West playoff race preview. Minnesota will look to build on this momentum; Dallas must fix their slow starts or risk falling further behind in the standings.
Is this win a sign the Timberwolves are finally contenders?
It’s a strong indicator. Minnesota has won their first two games by double digits, and their defense is showing cohesion. Anthony Edwards is playing with elite confidence, and the supporting cast — Towns, Conley, and D’Angelo Russell — are stepping up. If they can maintain this level of play through January, they’ll be in serious playoff contention. This win over Dallas, a team with championship aspirations, proves they’re no longer just hopeful — they’re capable.
Author
Nia Latham
I'm a news enthusiast and journalist who loves to stay up to date with the latest events. I'm passionate about uncovering the truth and bringing awareness to important issues. I'm always on the lookout for a great story to share with the world.