Timberwolves lose 120-114 to Mavericks in West finals rematch, Edwards scores arena record with 24 points in 1st quarter

Kyrie Irving scored 16 of his 35 points in the third quarter, Luka Doncic had a late surge to finish with 24 points, nine assists and eight rebounds and the Dallas Mavericks held off the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-114 on Tuesday in the first rematch. last season’s Western Conference finals.

Anthony Edwards had 24 of his 37 points in the first quarter to set a Target Center record, going 7 for 13 from 3-point range. He also went just 6 for 12 from the free throw line.

Doncic put his stamp on the game with a 33-footer with 1:04 left to stretch the lead to eight points, barking at fans as he jumped back to the bench after a timeout. It was his only mark in eight attempts from behind the arc.

PJ Washington added 17 points and eight rebounds for the Mavericks, who played back-to-back nights after beating Utah 110-102 at home on Monday. Doncic went 5 for 22 from the floor and 1 for 9 from 3-point range for 15 points against the Jazz.

Julius Randle had 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for the Timberwolves.

Mavericks: With Doncic in a mini-slump, the Mavericks not only got a superstar performance from Irving, the other half of their leading duo, they were especially active on defense with 12 steals.

Timberwolves: Edwards’ breathtaking first quarter gave way to some sloppy stretches. Minnesota had 20 turnovers that led to 25 points for Dallas.

Irving went 6 for 8 from 3-point range, including a swish with 2:31 left, and Randle closely guarded him at the top of the key after the Timberwolves pulled within 109-107.

Edwards has five-plus 3-pointers in all four games this season, the longest streak in team history.

The Mavericks host Houston on Thursday night and the Timberwolves host Denver on Friday.