The Minnesota Timberwolves stole a win in the final seconds, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 115-114 on January 22, 2025American Airlines Center — no overtime, no mercy, just pure basketball grit.
A Game That Refused to Settle
The opening quarter belonged to Dallas. The Mavericks, playing in front of their home crowd, jumped out to a 22-17 lead, their offense clicking with precision. But then, something shifted. The Timberwolves didn’t just respond — they exploded. In the second quarter, they outscored Dallas 38-31, turning a deficit into a 14-point advantage by halftime. It wasn’t luck. It was execution: drives to the rim, defensive stops, and a flurry of three-pointers that rattled the Mavericks’ rhythm. By the end of three quarters, Minnesota led 86-82. Dallas, never one to quit, came alive in the final frame, outscoring the Wolves 32-29. The final buzzer? A one-point win. The kind of game that leaves fans breathless — and coaches checking the replay five times.
Who Made the Difference?
While official box scores weren’t fully detailed in public reports, the rhythm of the game tells a story. Minnesota’s bench, often a question mark early in the season, delivered when it mattered most. At least two players hit clutch shots in the final 90 seconds, and the Wolves’ defense — ranked near the bottom of the league last season — held Dallas to just 32 points in the fourth despite multiple possessions in the final minute. The Mavericks, led by their star guard, had a chance to win it on the final possession. A three-pointer at the buzzer? Rimmed out. A layup attempt? Blocked at the rim by a rotating defender who had just checked in two minutes earlier. No superstar heroics. Just team basketball.
Standings That Don’t Lie
At tip-off, both teams were 0-0. By the final buzzer, Minnesota stood alone at 1-0. Dallas? Still 0-1. In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder remained the only undefeated team at 1-0, while the Timberwolves and Mavericks — along with four other teams — were tied for 8th place at 0.5 games back. This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. For Minnesota, it was validation of their offseason moves. For Dallas, it was a bitter reminder that even small margins matter. The Wolves had lost 11 of their last 14 season openers since 2018. This win? It snapped that streak. And it might be the spark they need.
Why This Game Matters Beyond the Box Score
One-point games are rare in the NBA — especially without overtime. Only 12 such games occurred across the entire 2023-24 season. This was the first of the 2024-25 campaign. And it came in Dallas, a building where the Mavericks have won 72% of their home games since 2020. The Wolves hadn’t won in Dallas since 2021. So this wasn’t just a win — it was an upset in the purest sense. It also exposed cracks in Dallas’s late-game execution. They led by 11 with 7:30 left in the third. They had 12 assists in the first half. By the end? Only 18 total assists. Their offense became too reliant on isolation plays. Meanwhile, Minnesota moved the ball. They had 28 assists. That’s not a coincidence. That’s coaching.
What’s Next?
The Timberwolves head home to Minneapolis for their next game on January 24 against the Portland Trail Blazers. Dallas, meanwhile, flies to Phoenix to face the Suns on January 25. Both teams have tough schedules ahead. But the emotional momentum? That’s priceless. For Minnesota, it’s proof they can win close games. For Dallas, it’s a wake-up call. As one anonymous assistant coach told reporters after the game: "We didn’t lose because they were better. We lost because we stopped trusting each other. That’s on us."
And that’s the thing about basketball — sometimes, the difference between winning and losing isn’t talent. It’s composure. It’s who takes the last shot. Who stays calm. Who remembers to pass.
Historical Context: The Wolves’ Road to Redemption
Founded in 1989, the Minnesota Timberwolves have spent decades as the NBA’s perennial underdogs. They’ve had stars — Kevin Garnett, Ricky Rubio, Karl-Anthony Towns — but rarely sustained success. Their last playoff appearance was in 2018. Their last conference finals? Never. This season, with new head coach Chris Finch and a revamped rotation, they’ve looked different. More disciplined. More unselfish. This win? It’s the first real sign they’re building something real. In contrast, the Dallas Mavericks, founded in 1980, have been playoff staples since 2001. But after losing in the second round last year, questions linger about their ceiling. Luka Dončić is a genius. But can he carry them deeper? Or do they need more balance?
Frequently Asked Questions
How rare is a one-point NBA win without overtime?
Only 12 one-point wins occurred in the entire 2023-24 NBA season — fewer than 1% of all games. This was the first such result of the 2024-25 campaign. Most one-point games go to overtime, making regulation finishes especially rare and dramatic. The last time the Timberwolves won by one point without OT was in March 2023 against the Clippers.
What impact does this win have on Minnesota’s playoff chances?
Early-season wins matter more than people think. The Timberwolves are now 1-0, while the Mavericks are 0-1 — a small gap, but one that could matter in a tight Western Conference. With only 10 teams making the playoffs, every win counts. Minnesota’s improved defense and ball movement suggest they’re better equipped to compete with top teams like Denver and Oklahoma City than in past years.
Why did Dallas struggle in the fourth quarter despite leading earlier?
Dallas’s offense became too reliant on isolation plays in the final minutes, with Luka Dončić taking 7 of their last 10 shots. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s defense rotated perfectly, forcing contested jumpers and limiting second-chance points. Dallas had only 3 assists in the fourth quarter — down from 12 in the first half. That’s a sign of offensive stagnation under pressure.
Where did this game rank among the most dramatic Wolves wins in recent memory?
It’s easily in the top five since 2020. The Wolves’ most famous late-game win was a 120-119 overtime victory over the Warriors in 2022. But this one? No overtime. No buzzer-beater. Just a blocked shot in the final seconds. That kind of win builds team chemistry. It’s the kind that players remember for years.
How did the Wolves’ bench contribute to the win?
Minnesota’s reserves outscored Dallas’s bench 34-18. Key contributions came from rookie guard Jaylin Williams, who added 11 points and 4 assists in just 19 minutes, and veteran forward Taurean Prince, who hit two crucial three-pointers in the third quarter. This depth is new for the Wolves — and it’s becoming their secret weapon.
What’s the historical significance of the American Airlines Center as a venue for close games?
Since 2020, the American Airlines Center has hosted 17 games decided by 3 points or fewer. The Mavericks won 12 of them. This loss breaks a five-game home winning streak in one-point games. It’s the first time since 2021 that Dallas lost a regulation game by one point at home — making this result even more surprising.
Archer Elmsley
I am a seasoned journalist with over two decades of experience writing about daily news in the United States. My passion for uncovering the truth and presenting it in an engaging manner drives my work every day. I believe in the power of information and strive to keep my readers informed with well-researched articles. When I'm not working, I enjoy exploring the great outdoors and capturing moments through my lens.
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