Timberwolves Edge Mavericks 115-114 in Thrilling Overtime Clash in Dallas

The Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off a nail-biting 115-114 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas — a game that felt more like a playoff battle than a mid-January regular-season contest. With Luka Dončić sidelined by a calf injury and Donte DiVincenzo out with a toe issue, the game became a test of depth, grit, and who could make the next big play when it mattered most. The final buzzer sounded with the Timberwolves clinging to a one-point lead, capping a wild back-and-forth that saw seven lead changes in the final four minutes.

Injuries Reshape the Game

The absence of Luka Dončić was the story before tip-off. The 25-year-old Slovenian star, who suffered the calf strain on Christmas Day against Minnesota, hadn’t played since. Dallas entered the game with a 10-11 record without him this season — and a dismal 3-10 against the spread since his injury. The Mavericks’ injury list grew throughout the day: Klay Thompson and Dereck Lively II were both listed as questionable with ankle issues, and by tip-off, neither suited up. That left Dallas with a depleted backcourt and no reliable rim protector.

Meanwhile, Minnesota was missing Donte DiVincenzo, whose six-game starting stretch since January 6 had unlocked the offense. In those games, Anthony Edwards averaged 30 points and 5.3 assists. Without DiVincenzo’s spacing and three-point threat — he shot 42.1% from deep on nearly 10 attempts per game — the Wolves’ offense had to adapt on the fly.

Betting Lines Shifted as Injuries Mounted

The line movement told the story better than any preview. On Tuesday evening, the game opened with Minnesota as a 1.5-point favorite. By Wednesday morning, with Dallas’s injury report worsening, the spread climbed to -2.5, then -3.0 by midday. The over/under dropped from 218.5 to 214.5 as oddsmakers anticipated a slower, more physical game. Covers.com tracked the shift in real time — a clear sign that the market believed Dallas couldn’t compete without its stars.

Oddsmakers were split on the moneyline: Sports Illustrated listed Minnesota at -163, while CBS Sports showed -148. Dallas’s +138 to +124 odds reflected the growing skepticism about their ability to close out games without Dončić. In the end, the Wolves covered the -2.5 spread — barely — and the final score of 229 points fell just under the 216.5 total, making the under the winning bet.

Who Stepped Up?

With DiVincenzo out, Anthony Edwards carried the offensive load — finishing with 34 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, including a clutch driving layup with 12 seconds left to put Minnesota up by two. His 11th three-pointer of the season — a step-back from the right wing — tied the game at 112 with 1:18 to go.

For Dallas, Kyrie Irving delivered despite the odds. He finished with 32 points, including 4 three-pointers — one of which came with 38 seconds left to tie the game at 114. The prop bet on ‘Kyrie Irving OVER 2.5 3-pointers’ paid off handsomely for those who took it at -130. But it wasn’t enough. His final shot — a contested floater at the buzzer — rattled out, sealing the Wolves’ win.

Minnesota’s bench, often criticized this season, saved the day. Naz Reid — targeted in a +125 prop bet for OVER 2.5 threes — nailed 3 from deep, including one with 2:30 left that broke a 109-109 tie. He finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds, his 12th double-double of the season.

Why This Game Matters

Both teams entered the night in the Western Conference’s play-in zone. The Timberwolves were 22-21, on a two-game skid after a loss to Memphis on MLK Day. The Mavericks, at 23-20, had lost four of five. A win here wasn’t just about pride — it was about survival. With the Warriors, Nuggets, and Grizzlies all pulling away, every game now feels like a must-win.

Dallas’s 3-10 ATS record without Dončić is a red flag. Even with Irving playing at an All-Star level, the team lacks the defensive cohesion and rebounding to compete consistently. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s 17-25-1 ATS record shows they’re still inconsistent — but Wednesday proved they can win ugly when their stars show up.

What’s Next?

The Timberwolves head home for a four-game homestand, starting Friday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. They’ll need DiVincenzo back — his absence exposed their lack of shooting depth. If he’s out long-term, expect more minutes for rookie guard Gabe Vincent, who struggled with turnovers in his 18-minute cameo on Wednesday.

Dallas faces the Lakers on Friday, then the Rockets. Without Dončić, their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. Head coach Jason Kidd admitted after the game: “We’re not just missing a player. We’re missing a rhythm. Luka doesn’t just score — he makes everyone else better.”

Background: The Christmas Clashes

This wasn’t the first time these teams clashed under pressure. On December 25, 2024, Minnesota beat Dallas 119-117 in a game that ended with Dončić crumpling to the floor after a non-contact calf strain. That loss started a downward spiral for Dallas. Since then, they’ve lost 10 of 13 games — eight by double digits. Minnesota, meanwhile, has gone 8-8 ATS as road favorites — a record that looked shaky until Wednesday.