The Dallas Mavericks added insult to injury in their game with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who lost D’Angelo Russell early in a 127-122 loss on Monday night.
Russell made the start for Minnesota but lasted just five minutes before exiting the game with leg soreness. With their point guard out of the game, Dallas took advantage with a 14-2 run to close out the first quarter.
With Russell out on the outside, Naz Reid had issues in the paint as Kristaps Porzingis put up a game-high 25 points and 12 rebounds. In a dominant effort, Dallas went into the locker room with a 71-52 lead at halftime.
In the second half, the Timberwolves attempted to make their move behind Jaylen Nowell. The Minnesota guard put up a career-high 16 points as they chipped the lead down to single digits midway through the fourth quarter.
1️⃣6️⃣ points!
That's a new career high for @JaylenNowell. pic.twitter.com/ktrXmGK2F4
— FanDuel Sports Network North (@FanDuelSN_NOR) February 9, 2021
The Timberwolves made a furious rally from that point as Malik Beasley knocked down six 3-pointers in the final frame as part of a night where he put up a season-high 30 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
TWO POSSESSION GAME pic.twitter.com/BxAK8vaE0r
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) February 9, 2021
A tip-in by Beasley brought the Timberwolves within three points with under a minute to go, but Josh Richardson hit a fadeaway jumper to help put Minnesota away.
Minnesota will look to get back on track on Wednesday night when they host the Los Angeles Clippers at Target Center.
