Everybody knew the numbers.
The Mavericks came into Sunday’s match against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 2-9 record against the six teams in the Western Conference that they are either behind or tied with in the standings.
That made this as good a place as any to make a stand.
And what a stand it was.
With Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić providing heroic efforts at both ends of the floor, the Mavericks overcame a six-point deficit in the final 3:30 by scoring 11 consecutive points to earn a hard-fought 115-108 victory over the Wolves at American Airlines Center.
It was an important win over a team that already had posted two victories over the Mavericks this season.
“It was a good test for us, playing against one of the hottest teams in the league,” Irving said. “Their record speaks for itself.
“We were dialed in from the beginning and it feels good when you can kind of go blow for blow with one of the best teams in the league. These are the type of games you want to be a part of. In the regular season, it’s not too often you get to go against some of the best of the best in the league. It was a good effort for us.”
The late defensive stand was part of a terrific overall effort on that end of the court as the Mavericks improved to 22-15 while the West-leading Wolves fell to 25-10.
“I thought the group being down six was a great test of character and trust and those guys did a great job of hanging together and finding a way to win,” coach Jason Kidd said.
“Kai was great, Luka was great. Those guys set the tone, not just on the offensive end, but the defensive end. The trust for one another to not just take turns down the stretch, but to make plays for their teammates. And Kai makes two big threes, one off of DP’s (Dwight Powell’s) assist when he’s in the corner. Heck of a catch, big time shot.”
The Mavericks were up by nine points to start the final quarter and remained ahead 100-95 with under six minutes left, but Anthony Edwards, who finished with 36 points and 10 rebounds, hit a three-pointer and Towns made a three-pointer and a three-point play as part of an 11-0 Minnesota run that put them up 106-100.
But Luka found Dwight Powell for a layup and a three-point play. Irving then nailed back-to-back three-pointers as he was on his way to 35 points, one more than Luka had. The second one was after Powell’s assist.
The Mavericks stopped the Wolves on three consecutive possessions and when Derrick Jones Jr., who had the second double-double of his career, slammed with 24.5 seconds left, the Mavericks were up 111-106.
Jones had 12 points and 10 rebounds and played standout defense against several different Timberwolves.
And Dončić was a factor also on the defensive end. While everybody will look at his 34 points, he also had several possessions late in the game while guarding Towns.
Asked what the improved defense in the past week or two can be attributed to, Luka said:
“First of all, staying healthy. Maybe the last 10, 15 games, we were more connected on defense and playing better defense.
“Your best offense is your defense. When we play good defense and get rebounds, we can run the floor. I think we’re one of the best teams in the NBA to do that.”
He said guarding Towns is a challenge that he relishes.
“Because I’m strong,” he said of why he had success against the 7-foot, 250-pound Towns. “I have (some of) the powerful legs in the NBA, I think. I love it because we say we’re going to double. I told (coaches) don’t double. Let me see if I can get a couple stops. I like playing post.”
And so, the Mavericks made some headway against one of the teams above them in the standings.
The other half of that story is that they have taken care of business quite well against the bottom-feeders, going 19-6 against everybody not tied or above them in the West.
But eventually, the Mavericks are going to have to show some teeth against the top-tier teams.
That started with a thoroughly entertaining first half and an even better third quarter when the Mavericks scored the final eight points to go up 91-82 going into the fourth frame.
The Mavericks had been leading most of the way, but it was never anything close to a secure advantage.
And the Wolves were in position despite Luka and Kyrie pouring it on in the third quarter, after which the pair had combined for 57 points.
X: @ESefko
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