Timberwolves at Mavericks
THE STORY: The Minnesota Timberwolves rang in the New Year at the expense of the Dallas Mavericks, rolling to a 17-point home victory that snapped an 18-game losing streak dating to the 2010-11 season. It may seem like a distant memory for the reigning NBA champions, who have awoken from the early-season slumber and will look to avenge that defeat when they host the Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Since falling to Minnesota, Dallas has won 10 of its last 13 games to move a season-high four games over .500. Despite the absence of NBA Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavericks won their third straight game and extended their home winning streak to seven with Monday's 93-87 victory over Phoenix. The Timberwolves, who had a league-worst 17-65 record last season, have gone a respectable 7-7 this month but will be looking to avoid a third consecutive loss Wednesday.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FSNO, FSSW
ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES: (7-10): Minnesota took care of one piece of important business Tuesday night, agreeing to a four-year, $62 million contract extension with standout power forward Kevin Love. The deal prevents last season’s rebounding champ from becoming a restricted free agent after the season. Love offered a strong reminder of his value to the team by pouring in a season-high 39 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in Monday’s loss to Houston. Love is averaging 24.9 points and 13.9 boards this season.
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (11-7): Dallas has won twice without Nowitzki, who will sit out the third of at least four games for a conditioning stint designed to strengthen his ailing right knee. Vince Carter has missed the last four games with a sprained foot. The injuries have helped Shawn Marion re-discover his long-range shooting stroke. Marion buried four 3-pointers and had a season-high 29 points vs. Phoenix. He has nine 3-pointers this season – one more than the previous two seasons combined.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. The Mavericks have held 15 consecutive opponents under 100 points, a franchise record.
2. Dallas will receive its championship rings Wednesday. The game was selected so former Mavs guard J.J. Barea (now with Minnesota) can be part of the ceremony.