Dallas Mavericks fall to Minnesota Timberwolves in ugly fashion

The Dallas Mavericks were unable to pull off the upset last night over the Minnesota Timberwolves, falling 108-82. Dallas was without arguably their best player once again tonight.

Despite being one of the top eight teams in the NBA 2019 Summer League, the Dallas Mavericks looked like they were in trouble right from the get-go last night. Minnesota jumped out to a double-digit lead before the Mavs even got on the board and it was all pretty much history from there on.

The Timberwolves have assembled maybe the best all-around team across the entire summer league this year. With major contributors in the starting lineup and coming off the bench, this will not be an easy team for the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies or New Orleans Pelicans to beat in the coming days.

In last night’s game, the Timberwolves shot an impressive 52% from the field and over 46% from three. They hit 13 total threes, distancing themselves from the Mavs quickly and effectively. The Mavs were also beat in total assists and total rebounds.

Dallas started off slow in this one, but did manage to fight their way back into it over time. They cut the lead to 7 late in the third, but once Minnesota put their foot back on the pedal, there was nothing the Mavericks could do. Dallas was led in scoring by Antonius Cleveland once again with 17. Josh Reaves had 15 and Daryl Macon had 11, rounding out all Mavs in double-digits.

Mavs rookie, Isaiah Roby, struggled again with just 5 points. He has had a rough go so far with high highs and low lows. Kostas Antetokounmpo, one of the Mavs draftees from last year, has been a lot more lows than highs. Dallas shot only 37% from the field and 20% from three in this one.

Minnesota was led in scoring by Kelan Martin with 23, thanks to 5-9 shooting from three. Others in double-digits for the Timberwolves include Barry Brown Jr. with 14 and Naz Reid, Mitchell Creek and Jordan Murphy with 12 apiece.

This marks the end of the summer league for Dallas, whereas Minnesota moves on to the next round and will play Brooklyn today at 7:00 central time. Minnesota is now the only team who has not lost a game, with Boston and Detroit both getting knocked out in the first round.

The Mavericks put on a great show this year in the summer league, making some really fun plays and showcasing a few solid talents that we may be seeing more of in the future. It is a shame it ended this way, but it was a fun summer nonetheless.