Timeline of Events
The rivalry between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves has been marked by several significant moments throughout history. Here’s a chronological timeline of key events:
1989: Inaugural Season
The rivalry began in 1989, when both the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves joined the NBA as expansion teams. The first game between the two teams was played on November 3, 1989, with the Mavericks winning 114-102.
1990: First Playoff Series
The Mavericks and Timberwolves met in the first round of the 1990 Western Conference playoffs. The Mavericks won the series in three games, with all three games being decided by double digits.
1997: Kevin Garnett Trade
In 1997, the Timberwolves traded for Kevin Garnett, who would become one of the greatest players in franchise history. Garnett’s arrival helped the Timberwolves become a perennial playoff contender.
2002: Dirk Nowitzki’s MVP Season
In 2002, Dirk Nowitzki won the NBA MVP award, leading the Mavericks to their first NBA championship. The Mavericks defeated the Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals en route to the title.
2010: Western Conference Finals, Dallas mavericks vs timberwolves timeline
The Mavericks and Timberwolves met in the Western Conference finals in 2010. The Mavericks won the series in six games, advancing to the NBA Finals.
2015: Andrew Wiggins Trade
In 2015, the Timberwolves traded Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins would become a key player for the Timberwolves, helping them reach the playoffs in 2018.
2023: Anthony Edwards’ Breakout Season
In 2023, Anthony Edwards had a breakout season, leading the Timberwolves to the playoffs. Edwards was named to the All-NBA Second Team and helped the Timberwolves win their first playoff series since 2004.
Key Players and Statistics
Dallas mavericks vs timberwolves timeline – The rivalry between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves has been shaped by several key players who have made significant contributions over the years. These players have showcased their talents through impressive statistics and memorable performances, leaving a lasting impact on the rivalry.
One of the most notable players in the rivalry’s history is Dirk Nowitzki, a German-born power forward who spent the majority of his career with the Mavericks. Nowitzki was a 14-time NBA All-Star and won the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 2007. He is the Mavericks’ all-time leading scorer and helped lead the team to their first NBA championship in 2011.
Individual Player Statistics
- Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks): 31,560 points, 11,489 rebounds, 3,651 assists, 1,281 blocks, 1,077 steals
- Kevin Garnett (Minnesota Timberwolves): 19,201 points, 10,718 rebounds, 4,205 assists, 1,841 blocks, 1,466 steals
- Steve Nash (Dallas Mavericks): 10,335 points, 4,291 assists, 2,694 rebounds, 742 steals, 356 blocks
- Sam Cassell (Minnesota Timberwolves): 9,266 points, 3,254 assists, 2,512 rebounds, 954 steals, 266 blocks
- Josh Howard (Dallas Mavericks): 8,461 points, 4,502 rebounds, 1,446 assists, 632 steals, 287 blocks
These statistics highlight the immense impact these players have had on the rivalry, showcasing their all-around contributions and dominance in various aspects of the game.
Head-to-Head Matchups: Dallas Mavericks Vs Timberwolves Timeline
The Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves have a long and storied rivalry, dating back to the early days of the NBA. The two teams have met in the playoffs on several occasions, and they have always played each other tough.
The Mavericks currently hold a slight edge in the head-to-head matchup, with a 107-100 record. However, the Timberwolves have won the last three meetings between the two teams.
Overall Record
| Team | Wins | Losses |
|—|—|—|
| Dallas Mavericks | 107 | 100 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 100 | 107 |
Home Record
| Team | Wins | Losses |
|—|—|—|
| Dallas Mavericks | 55 | 45 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 53 | 47 |
Away Record
| Team | Wins | Losses |
|—|—|—|
| Dallas Mavericks | 52 | 55 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 47 | 53 |
Streaks
The longest winning streak by either team in the head-to-head matchup is six games, which the Timberwolves accomplished from 2017 to 2019. The Mavericks have won the last three meetings between the two teams.
Memorable Moments
The rivalry between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves has produced several memorable moments over the years, including iconic plays, buzzer-beaters, and heated confrontations.
One of the most memorable moments in the rivalry came in the 2003 playoffs, when Dirk Nowitzki hit a game-winning three-pointer in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals to give the Mavericks a 3-2 series lead. The shot sent the American Airlines Center into a frenzy and helped the Mavericks advance to the Western Conference Finals.
Iconic Plays
- In 2002, Kevin Garnett dunked over Dirk Nowitzki in a regular season game, sending shockwaves through the NBA. The dunk was so powerful that it caused the backboard to shatter.
- In 2004, Jason Kidd hit a game-winning three-pointer in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals to give the Mavericks a 3-1 series lead. The shot was so clutch that it sent the Target Center into silence.
Buzzer-Beaters
- In 2001, Sam Cassell hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to give the Timberwolves a 90-89 win over the Mavericks. The shot was so dramatic that it sent the Target Center into a frenzy.
- In 2005, Dirk Nowitzki hit a buzzer-beating fadeaway jumper to give the Mavericks a 96-95 win over the Timberwolves. The shot was so clutch that it sent the American Airlines Center into a frenzy.
Heated Confrontations
- In 2003, Kevin Garnett and Dirk Nowitzki got into a heated confrontation during a regular season game. The two players were jawing at each other and had to be separated by the referees.
- In 2007, Josh Howard and Al Jefferson got into a heated confrontation during a regular season game. The two players were pushing and shoving each other and had to be separated by the referees.
Current Rivalry
The Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves have developed a competitive rivalry in recent years, fueled by their proximity and the emergence of young stars on both teams.
Both teams possess talented rosters with strengths and weaknesses that could impact future matchups. The Mavericks boast a potent offense led by Luka Dončić, while the Timberwolves have a strong defense anchored by Karl-Anthony Towns. The Timberwolves have shown signs of improvement this season, but the Mavericks remain the favorites in this rivalry due to Dončić’s dominance and their overall depth.
Key Strengths and Weaknesses
Dallas Mavericks
* Strengths: Elite offense, Luka Dončić, depth
* Weaknesses: Defense, rebounding
Minnesota Timberwolves
* Strengths: Defense, Karl-Anthony Towns, young talent
* Weaknesses: Offense, consistency
