The Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t just beat the Dallas Mavericks — they sent a message. On November 17, 2025, at Target Center in Minneapolis, the Timberwolves crushed their rivals 120-96 in a performance that felt less like a regular-season game and more like a statement of intent. With Naz Reid dominating inside (22 points, 12 rebounds, 3 threes) and Rudy Gobert anchoring the defense (15 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists), Minnesota improved to 9-5 on the season. Meanwhile, Dallas, now 4-11, continues to flounder under the weight of inconsistent play and a roster that seems to be searching for its identity.
Inside the Win: Minnesota’s Balanced Assault
It wasn’t just Reid who carried the load. The Timberwolves’ bench outscored Dallas’ reserves 42-21, a staggering margin that exposed the Mavericks’ lack of depth. Jaden Hardy led Dallas with 17 points and a trio of threes, but even his hot shooting couldn’t offset the team’s defensive collapse. Cooper Flagg and Brandon Williams added 15 each, but neither could generate consistent rhythm against Minnesota’s switching scheme. The Wolves held Dallas to 41% shooting and forced 18 turnovers — a clear sign they’ve tightened up defensively since last season’s playoff run.
What’s striking is how little the game resembled a typical Timberwolves-Mavericks matchup. In years past, these games were high-scoring shootouts. This one? A clinical dismantling. Minnesota led by 18 at halftime and never looked back. The crowd at Target Center — loud, electric, and fully invested — sensed something bigger was brewing. And they weren’t wrong.
Christmas Day Swap: Timberwolves vs. Nuggets, Not Mavericks
Here’s the twist: despite the hype around Minnesota’s recent surge, the NBA didn’t schedule a Christmas Day rematch between the Timberwolves and Mavericks. In fact, Dallas isn’t even on the holiday slate. Instead, the league chose a far more compelling matchup: the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Denver Nuggets, set for 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN/ABC on December 25, 2025.
This isn’t just a feel-good holiday game. It’s a Western Conference Finals preview. Both teams reached the conference finals in the past two seasons — Minnesota in 2023 and 2024, Denver in 2023. The Nuggets, however, suffered a heartbreaking seven-game loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in last year’s semis. Now, with Brooklyn Nets trade acquisition Cameron Johnson replacing the injured Michael Porter Jr., Denver has added a lethal floor spacer to go with Nikola Jokić’s genius. The Wolves, meanwhile, held onto Naz Reid and Julius Randle, keeping their core intact after losing Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Why This Game Matters More Than You Think
Christmas Day is the NBA’s grand stage. It’s where legacies are built and rivalries reignited. This year, the Timberwolves-Nuggets clash isn’t just about stars — it’s about identity. Are the Wolves still a true contender without a clear #1 option beyond Anthony Edwards? Can the Nuggets, despite their depth, survive the physicality of Minnesota’s frontcourt? Analysts are already calling it the most anticipated game of the holiday slate.
And the rest of the Christmas card? It’s stacked. The San Antonio Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, host the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Houston Rockets, now featuring Kevin Durant alongside Alperen Şengün, take on the Los Angeles Lakers. But none carry the same weight as Minnesota-Denver. Why? Because both teams have been there. They’ve tasted the Conference Finals. They know what it takes to go further. This isn’t a rebuilding matchup. It’s a proving ground.
What’s Next for Both Teams
For the Timberwolves, the path forward is clear: keep building chemistry, protect home court, and stay healthy. Their 9-5 start is no fluke — it’s the result of disciplined defense and smart ball movement. They’ve got the pieces. Now they need to stay focused.
For Dallas? The outlook is murkier. Their 4-11 record isn’t just a bad start — it’s a red flag. The team lacks defensive cohesion, and their young core (Flagg, Hardy, Williams) is still learning under pressure. If they don’t turn things around soon, the playoffs may be out of reach. And with the Timberwolves looming on Christmas Day, the Mavericks won’t even get the satisfaction of facing their rivals on the biggest stage.
Confusion in the Media: A Case of Mislabeling
Oddly enough, a preview article on Canis Hoopus mistakenly labeled the November 17 game as Timberwolves vs. Nuggets — even listing Target Center as the venue and 7:00 PM CST as tip-off. That’s not just a typo. It’s a sign of how blurred the lines have become between these two teams in the public consciousness. The Wolves aren’t just rising — they’re becoming a fixture in the West’s elite conversation. And that’s exactly why the NBA chose them for Christmas Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Timberwolves-Nuggets game on Christmas Day more significant than a Timberwolves-Mavericks matchup?
The Timberwolves-Nuggets game is a rematch of the 2023-24 Western Conference Semifinals, and both teams reached the past two conference finals. It’s a true contender-vs-contender clash with playoff implications, while the Mavericks are struggling at 4-11 and not in playoff contention. The NBA prioritizes high-stakes matchups for Christmas Day, not just fan nostalgia.
How has the Timberwolves’ roster changed since last season?
Minnesota lost Nickeil Alexander-Walker but retained key contributors Naz Reid and Julius Randle, preserving their core depth. Rudy Gobert remains the defensive anchor, and Anthony Edwards continues to develop as a top-tier scorer. The team’s continuity — not major trades — has been the secret to their 9-5 start and deep playoff runs over the last two seasons.
What did the Nuggets do differently this offseason to improve?
Denver traded for Cameron Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets to replace Michael Porter Jr., adding elite shooting and wing defense. This gives Nikola Jokić a more reliable floor spacer and helps balance their offense. Johnson’s ability to stretch the floor could be the difference-maker against Minnesota’s physical frontcourt in the Christmas Day matchup.
Why is the Mavericks’ 4-11 record concerning this early in the season?
Dallas has been a consistent playoff team for the past five years, but their 4-11 start suggests a collapse in team chemistry and defensive discipline. Their young core — Flagg, Hardy, Williams — is talented but inexperienced under pressure. Without a clear offensive engine beyond Luka Dončić, and with no major offseason upgrades, their playoff hopes are fading fast.
What role does Target Center play in the Timberwolves’ success?
Target Center has become one of the NBA’s toughest venues for visiting teams, especially since the Wolves’ recent playoff runs. The crowd noise, the tight court dimensions, and the team’s defensive intensity create a hostile environment. In their 9-5 start, Minnesota is 6-1 at home — the best home record in the Western Conference. That home-court edge could be decisive in their Christmas Day run.
Is this the year the Timberwolves finally reach the NBA Finals?
They’re closer than ever. With a healthy core, strong defense, and playoff experience, the Timberwolves have the pieces. But the West is brutal — Denver, Phoenix, and Oklahoma City are all threats. To reach the Finals, they’ll need Edwards to elevate his game in the playoffs, Gobert to stay healthy, and Reid to keep delivering off the bench. Christmas Day against Denver is the first real test.
