Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving lead Dallas into a challenging road matchup as the Mavericks seek their first regular-season victory over Minnesota since October 2024.
STWF SPORTS | MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. | NOVEMBER 12, 2026 – The Dallas Mavericks head north for a Western Conference showdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night at Target Center, looking to extend their three-game winning streak and end a six-game regular-season losing streak against Minnesota.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT as Dallas enters the matchup riding momentum from consecutive home victories over Utah, Brooklyn and Indiana.
The Mavericks are coming off a thrilling 125-122 victory over the Pacers, highlighted by Cooper Flagg’s season-high 43 points and Kyrie Irving’s 35-point performance.
However, Minnesota presents a significant challenge, particularly on the boards and defensively.
Flagg Continues Remarkable Sophomore Campaign
Dallas Mavericks’ Road to Success
Flagg enters the matchup averaging 23.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 6.4 assists and two steals per game.
The 19-year-old delivered one of the season’s most impressive individual performances against Indiana, finishing with 43 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, three steals and one blocked shot.
Flagg connected on 16 of 25 field-goal attempts and converted all eight free throws.
The performance placed him alongside Kevin Durant as the only teenagers in NBA history to record at least 40 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a game.
Flagg’s ability to create offense, attack the basket and contribute defensively continues to strengthen Dallas’ offensive identity.
Irving Provides Veteran Scoring Leadership
Irving remains a critical component of the Mavericks’ offense, averaging 21 points and 4.1 assists.
The veteran guard delivered 35 points against Indiana, connecting on seven of 10 three-point attempts.
His perimeter shooting helped Dallas overcome a double-digit deficit and secure its third consecutive victory.
Irving’s experience will be especially valuable against Minnesota’s physical defensive frontcourt.
P.J. Washington Jr. also provides offensive versatility, averaging 14.3 points and 7.2 rebounds, while Daniel Gafford contributes 8.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per contest.
Minnesota Presents Difficult Road Challenge
The Timberwolves enter Thursday’s matchup averaging 118.1 points while allowing just 107 per game.
Minnesota also averages 48.8 rebounds, giving the Timberwolves an advantage over Dallas’ 44.6.
The Mavericks will need improved rebounding discipline to prevent additional scoring opportunities.
| Statistical Category | Mavericks | Timberwolves |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 114.9 | 118.1 |
| Points Allowed | 110.3 | 107.0 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 47.8% | 47.4% |
| Three-Point Percentage | 34.5% | 37.3% |
| Rebounds Per Game | 44.6 | 48.8 |
| Assists Per Game | 26.4 | 25.6 |
Minnesota’s defensive efficiency and three-point shooting make it a dangerous opponent, especially at Target Center.
Mavericks Seek to End Six-Game Skid Against Minnesota
Although Dallas holds a 78-65 advantage in the all-time series, Minnesota has controlled recent regular-season meetings.
The Timberwolves have won six consecutive matchups, including a four-game season sweep in 2025-26.
Minnesota’s most recent victory came March 30, 2026, when the Timberwolves defeated Dallas 124-94 at American Airlines Center.
The Mavericks last defeated Minnesota during the 2024-25 regular season, earning a 120-114 victory at Target Center on October 29, 2024.
Dallas will look to reverse that trend with a roster featuring an increasingly productive partnership between Flagg and Irving.
Keys to a Mavericks Victory
For Dallas, success begins with limiting Minnesota’s second-chance opportunities and maintaining offensive efficiency.
The Mavericks must also protect the basketball, establish defensive pressure and avoid allowing Minnesota to dictate the game’s tempo.
Flagg’s versatility and Irving’s perimeter scoring provide Dallas with opportunities to challenge Minnesota’s defense.
Meanwhile, Gafford and Washington must contribute on the glass to counter the Timberwolves’ rebounding advantage.
STWF Sports Final Takeaway
Thursday’s matchup represents an important early-season test for a Mavericks team showing encouraging development under head coach Dusty May.
Dallas has demonstrated resilience, balanced scoring and improved offensive execution during its three-game winning streak.
However, Minnesota’s defensive strength and recent success in the series present another level of competition.
For the Mavericks, the opportunity is clear: extend their winning streak, end Minnesota’s six-game regular-season dominance and establish themselves as a more consistent Western Conference contender.
A road victory would provide valuable momentum as Dallas continues its trip with upcoming matchups against Cleveland and Boston.
STWF Sports | Dallas Mavericks Coverage | NBA 2026–27 Season
