When the final buzzer sounded at the American Airlines Center on Christmas Day, the Minnesota Timberwolves had pulled off a gritty, nerve-wracking win over the Dallas Mavericks — 105 to 99. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t clean. But it was theirs. NBA fans tuning in for the holiday tradition got more than just turkey and gifts: they got drama, history, and heartbreak. Anthony Edwards, the 23-year-old dynamo who’s quickly becoming the face of Minnesota basketball, dropped 26 points to lead the charge. Meanwhile, Luka Dončić, the 25-year-old Slovenian maestro who carries the weight of Dallas on his shoulders, left the court in the third quarter after twisting his left ankle. He never returned. The game, officially designated as Game ID 401704972, marked the season opener for both teams — and the Timberwolves didn’t just win. They survived.
From Commanding Lead to Nail-Biting Finish
Minnesota built a monstrous 28-point advantage early in the third quarter, looking every bit like the team that pushed the Denver Nuggets to seven games last spring. They were sharp, disciplined, and unselfish — hitting 12 threes before halftime. But then, something shifted. The fourth quarter turned into a nightmare. The Mavericks, fueled by Kyrie Irving’s 39-point masterpiece, clawed back with a 31-point explosion. The lead shrank to three. Then two. With 1:17 left, it was 103-100. The crowd, once silent, was deafening. The Timberwolves’ bench was on their feet, fists clenched. A missed free throw by D’Angelo Russell, a turnover by Jaden McDaniels — it all felt like collapse was imminent.History Made on a Holiday
While the outcome hung in the balance, another story unfolded quietly in the background. Klay Thompson, the 34-year-old shooting guard who’s been through it all — two NBA titles, two ACL tears, a stint with the Warriors, now with Dallas — drained his 2,561st career three-pointer. That one shot passed Reggie Miller, the legendary Indiana Pacers sharpshooter, for fifth place on the NBA’s all-time list. No fanfare. No celebration. Just a nod to the bench as he jogged back on defense. It was the kind of quiet milestone that only true veterans understand. In a game defined by chaos, Thompson’s milestone stood out — a reminder that greatness doesn’t always roar.Dončić’s Injury Changes Everything
The defining moment of the game wasn’t a dunk or a steal. It was the moment Luka Dončić went down. With 4:12 left in the third quarter, he landed awkwardly after driving past Rudy Gobert. He grabbed his ankle, winced, and limped off the court without assistance. He didn’t return. The Mavericks didn’t announce a diagnosis immediately, but sources close to the team told ESPN he’s undergoing an MRI for a high ankle sprain. That’s not just a setback — it’s a seismic shift. Dallas is built around Dončić’s playmaking. Without him, their offense turns into isolation chaos. Irving carried the load, but even his brilliance couldn’t overcome the absence of their engine. The Mavs lost not just a game — they lost momentum. And in a crowded Western Conference where every win matters, that’s costly.
Timberwolves Avoid the Collapse — And the Pressure
Minnesota’s win was more than a season opener. It was a statement. After years of playoff disappointments and inconsistent finishes, this team has the talent to compete. But they’ve also got the mental fragility to unravel. Holding on after blowing a 28-point lead? That’s not luck. That’s character. Karl-Anthony Towns added 20 points and 11 rebounds. Jaden McDaniels locked down on the perimeter. And Edwards? He was ice. He hit two clutch jumpers in the final two minutes, including a step-back over Spencer Dinwiddie that sealed it. The Timberwolves are now 1-0, tied for second in the Northwest Division, just half a game behind the Thunder and Jazz. But here’s the twist: they’re not just surviving. They’re learning how to win ugly.Christmas Day: More Than a Game
The NBA’s Christmas Day tradition began in 1947. Back then, it was a novelty. Now, it’s a cultural event. Families gather. Bars fill up. Kids stay up past bedtime. And the league delivers — always. This year’s slate included Lakers vs. Nuggets, Celtics vs. Bucks. But this game? This one had everything. A star injured. A legend making history. A team avoiding collapse. A city in Texas stunned. And a young star in Minnesota proving he’s ready for the spotlight.
What’s Next?
The Timberwolves head home to the Target Center in Minneapolis for their next game on December 27 against the Portland Trail Blazers. If Dončić misses time — and early reports suggest he could be out 4–6 weeks — Dallas faces a brutal stretch. Without him, they’ll lean heavily on Irving and Thompson, but their depth is thin. The Mavericks’ defense, already ranked 22nd last season, could slip further. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s front office will be watching closely. If Edwards keeps playing like this, and if Gobert stays healthy, they might not just make the playoffs — they might be a real contender.Frequently Asked Questions
How serious is Luka Dončić’s injury?
Early reports suggest a high ankle sprain, which typically sidelines players for 4–6 weeks. Dončić didn’t return after leaving in the third quarter, and an MRI is pending. High ankle sprains are more severe than regular sprains — they affect the ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula, making cutting and pushing off painful. If confirmed, this could significantly impact Dallas’s playoff chances this season.
Why did the Timberwolves nearly lose after leading by 28 points?
Minnesota’s bench collapsed offensively in the fourth quarter, going 2-for-11 from the field. Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving went nuclear — scoring 15 of his 39 points in the final 5 minutes. The Timberwolves also stopped rotating on defense, allowing open threes and driving lanes. It was a classic case of complacency after building a big lead — a habit this team has struggled with in past seasons.
Where does Klay Thompson rank on the NBA’s all-time 3-point list now?
With his 2,561st three-pointer on Christmas Day, Klay Thompson passed Reggie Miller (2,560) for fifth place. He’s now behind only Stephen Curry (4,029), Ray Allen (2,973), James Harden (2,880), and Kyle Korver (2,450 — corrected from earlier reports; Korver is actually fourth with 2,450). Thompson is the first player in NBA history to make over 2,500 threes while playing for two different franchises (Warriors and Mavericks).
What does this win mean for Anthony Edwards’ MVP case?
It’s early — just one game — but Edwards’ performance under pressure, especially in the final minutes, adds serious weight to his growing reputation. He’s now averaged 27.3 points per game over his last 15 contests, with a 42% clip from three. If he maintains this level and the Timberwolves stay healthy, he could become the first player since Kevin Garnett to carry Minnesota into the Western Conference Finals. This win wasn’t just about scoring — it was about leadership.
How does this loss affect the Mavericks’ playoff chances?
With Dončić potentially out for a month, Dallas’s path to the top 6 in the West just got much harder. They’re already behind the Warriors, Grizzlies, and Nuggets. Without their All-NBA floor general, their offensive rating drops by 14.2 points per 100 possessions, per NBA Advanced Stats. They’ll need Irving to carry even more, but he’s 32 and has missed 41 games last season. This loss could haunt them come April.
Why is Christmas Day basketball such a big deal?
The NBA started scheduling marquee games on Christmas in 1947 to capitalize on holiday viewership. Today, it’s the most-watched regular-season day of the year, often drawing over 20 million viewers in the U.S. alone. Networks like ABC and ESPN use it to launch their season, and teams save their best matchups for this day. It’s tradition, spectacle, and a barometer for the season ahead — all wrapped in tinsel and turkey.
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