The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 121-87, at Target Center on Wednesday night.

The Mavericks (26-22) checked into the contest already facing a significant uphill battle thanks to multiple key absences, including those of Luka Doncic (ankle) and Kyrie Irving (thumb). However, Dallas was surprisingly competitive early, trailing the healthy Timberwolves (34-14) by a narrow 52-48 margin at halftime. However, Minnesota began to pull away during a third quarter in which it forged a 31-22 edge, and the final period, one which the hosts won, 38-17, unfolded much like how many had expected the entire game would.

Josh Green led the Mavericks with 18 points, adding two rebounds and one assist. Jaden Hardy delivered 15 points, two boards, two assists and one steal. Tim Hardaway posted 14 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Richaun Holmes generated an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists and two blocks.

Karl-Anthony Towns paced the Timberwolves with 29 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds, four assists and one steal. Rudy Gobert contributed 17 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Naz Reid finished with 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Jaden McDaniels registered 11 points, four assists and two rebounds. Mike Conley supplied 10 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block.

The Mavericks return home to host the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night, while the Timberwolves remain home and host the Orlando Magic on Friday night.