Nowitzki Scores 29 Points, Mavericks Top Timberwolves 93-87
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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Dirk Nowitzki scored 29 points, converted a big three-point play and grabbed a key loose ball in the final seconds to lead the Dallas Mavericks over the skidding Minnesota Timberwolves 93-87 on Sunday.
With many of the Mavericks struggling, Nowitzki again showed he can carry his team at 37 years old. He hit four of Dallas' six 3-pointers to help overcome an off night from the starting backcourt.
Wesley Matthews and Deron Williams came in averaging 14.5 and 13.2 points per game, respectively. They shot a combined 3 for 18, with their first field goals coming late in the fourth quarter.
After attempting 44 3-pointers Friday at Milwaukee, the Mavericks tried 20 against the Timberwolves, who have dropped six straight and 10 of 11. Minnesota didn't get much production from the perimeter, either, hitting four of 16 attempts from behind the arc.
Andrew Wiggins led Minnesota with 21 points, and Shabazz Muhammad added 16 off the bench.
Wiggins helped the Timberwolves close within five a couple of times late, but Nowitzki was fouled on a mid-range jumper with 1:30 left and hit the ensuing free throw. Ricky Rubio then missed a 3-pointer with 16 seconds left and Nowitzki grabbed the loose ball.
The Mavericks have won three of four.
TIP-INS
Mavericks: Dallas coach and NBA coaches' association president Rick Carlisle said he expects dismissed Brooklyn coach Lionel Hollins to land on his feet. "You never like to see guys get let go, especially a situation like theirs, which is, there is a lot of upheaval with roster, injuries, all kinds of other things. So I'm disappointed, very disappointed, but these things happen." . Dallas is 20-0 when leading after three quarters.
Timberwolves: A driving Andre Miller took a hard spill early in the fourth quarter after being fouled by JaVale McGee. Miller stayed down for a few minutes while being attended to by team trainers, but ultimately stayed in the game and made the ensuing free throw to complete the three-point play. . Karl-Anthony Towns got into early foul trouble and didn't attempt his first shot until there was 2:58 left in the first half.
UP NEXT
Mavericks: Host Cleveland on Tuesday.
Timberwolves: Host Oklahoma City on Tuesday.
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