MyDallasMavs: Mavs Regroup and Get the Win Over the Timberwolves, 108-105

The Mavs were looking to regroup themselves from a devastating loss vs Memphis Monday night when they lost by a buzzer beater by Randolph; and they did just that, getting the win over Minnesota, 108-105.

Tyson Chandler is missing his third consecutive game due to his sprained right ankle; once again, Haywood will start in his place.

The Mavs hoped to keep Kevin Love from tying Moses Malone's post-merger NBA record for consecutive double-doubles with 51; but they knew this would be a hard feat to achieve, especially without starting center Tyson Chandler.

The first quarter started with the Mavs down 7-2. Towards the end of the first they caught up and were down just 22-16. Wayne Ellington ended the first with a buzzer beater to put the Wolves up 30-22. Both teams shot 50%, but the Wolves attempted 10 more shots.

With just under 9 minutes to go in the 2nd quarter, Dirk acquired his 3rd foul and sat out the rest of the half. Minnesota held onto a strong lead but Kidd hit back to back 3-pointers to put the Mavs within 3 points. Cardinal then hit a 3-pointer to tie it at 48 but soon after Minnesota put it back to 50-48. Kidd stole the ball and Terry missed a shot to put the Mavs in the lead and Marion missed the second chance tip-in to tie it; the quarter ended with the Wolves in the lead 50-48. At the half, both teams were shooting 45.5%. Minnesota had 10 points off of seven Dallas turnovers while Dallas had eight points off of nine wolves turnovers.

The Mavs open the second half with two baskets from Dirk to take the lead. They also started with a 6-0 run; but this amazing start didn't last for long. Ellington hit another 3 to put the Wolves up 77-70. Dirk hit a 3 but still went into the fourth quarter down 80-73.

Some free throws by Terry and a 3-pointer by Peja brought the Mavs to tie Minnesota at 80 after a 7-0 run a few minutes into the fourth.With under 9 minutes to go, the Mavs went on a 15-2 run. Dirk, Barea and Peja worked together to put the Mavs on a 17-4 run to lead 87-84 with 7:36 to go. The Mavs held onto the lead for a little but Minnesota closed the gap to one, 94-93 with 3:21 left to play. With a 3-pointer by Terry and numerous made free-throws by Dirk, the Mavs were up 108-102. With under 2 seconds left, Ellington threw up a 44-foot three point jumper and made it but still lost to the Mavs 108-105.

Dirk led the Mavs with 25 points and 6 rebounds. When he got into major foul trouble, Cardinal was a huge help totaling 12 points, hitting four 3-pointers. Kidd had 13 points, 9 assists and 4 steals. Marion, Peja and Roddy all contributed 9 points each. Terry wound up with 11 points although he went just 3 for 11 from the field and 1 for 6 from the 3-point line. His one 3-pointer was an important one though, putting the Mavs up with just minutes left in the game.

Kevin Love led the Timberwolves with 23 points and 17 rebounds; he tied Moses Malone's record for consecutive double-double at 51. Beasley was right behind him with 20 points. Ellington racked up12 points, a few of those shots being key ones to keep them in the game. Flynn also had 11 points and Ridnour had 9.

Next the Mavs will face the New Orleans Hornets Wednesday night at the AAC.