The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 97 - 84, at Target Center on Friday. In a battle between two teams looking to vie for the eight - seed in the west, Minnesota prevailed with a big win. They took care of busines from start to finish, as the T'Wolves led for over 45 minutes of this game. Defense carried Minnesota, as they held Dallas to 42 percent from the field and 24 percent from three - point range. The Timberwolves also dominated down low, winning the rebounding battle, 44 - 35 and the points in the paint differential, 48 - 30. The Mavericks (22 - 35) have struggled on offense all season and duds like this against a bad Minnesota defense only adds to those troubles. Seth Curry had the game of his life though, dropping a career - high 31 points on 13 - of - 17 shooting. Harrison Barnes was the only other Maverick in double figures, as he totaled 20 points, six rebounds and two steals. Dirk Nowitzki accumulated eight points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. The Timberwolves (23 - 35) continue to battle for a playoff berth and wins like this over teams who are ahead of them are imperative for that pursuit. Andrew Wiggins led Minnesota in scoring, as he amassed 27 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Karl-Anthony Towns was the most valuable player, as he collected 26 points and 18 rebounds on 12 - of - 18 shooting. Ricky Rubio finished third on the team, totaling 13 points, five rebounds, 14 assists and three steals.
["TeamStat(G,'Timberwolves') has 35 Percentage of 3 points ,has 97 Percentage of field goals ,has 44 Losses ,has 23 Total points ."
 "TeamStat(G,'Mavericks') has 24 Percentage of 3 points ,has 42 Percentage of field goals ,has 35 Losses ,has 84 Total points ,has 35 Rebounds ,has 22 Wins ."]