The Dallas Mavericks don't have much time to linger on a devastating loss, as they prepare to host the Minnesota Timberwolves in a key Western Conference matchup Saturday. Dallas suffered a heartbreaker Friday, falling to Atlanta 88-87 after squandering a 17-point lead in the second half. The Mavericks hope to bounce back quickly against the Timberwolves, who have lost a season-high three straight and five of their last six after a 117-110 home loss to Denver.
Minnesota has lost five straight on the road, and with six of their next nine away from home, the Timberwolves know they need to turn up the defensive intensity. "We want to win, we need to win," Minnesota guard Ricky Rubio told the team's website. "That's how we want to play, and the way we have to do it is improve our defense." Minnesota won the first meeting this season, 116-108 at home, behind huge games from Kevin Love (32 points, 15 rebounds, 8 assists) and Kevin Martin (32 points).
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), FSN Southwest (Dallas)
ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (8-9): Minnesota has a inside-outside combination with Kevin Love (24.3 points, 13.9 rebounds) and Nikola Pekovic (14.8 points, 8.6 rebounds) manning the paint and Kevin Martin (22.9 points) and Corey Brewer (14.4 points) on the perimeter. For all their offensive prowess, however, the Timberwolves are prone to defensive letdowns. The Timberwolves acquired forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute from Sacramento this week but he hasn't yet practiced with his new team, so he might not see the court against Dallas.
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (10-7): Dallas is one of the most productive offensive teams in the league, but it was inexplicably awful in a 12-point fourth quarter Friday. Leading scorer Monta Ellis (21.7 points) had another lackluster night with 12 points and has scored only 16 points in the past two games after posting 18 or more in each of the first 15. The Mavericks' post defense also could spell trouble against Minnesota, as Dallas gave up 46 points in the paint against the Hawks.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Minnesota is 0-4 when scoring fewer than 100 points and 0-8 when trailing after three quarters.
2. Mavericks PG Jose Calderon left in the third quarter versus Atlanta with an ankle injury, but X-rays were negative and he hopes to return against Minnesota.
3. The Timberwolves are 2-6 on the road with the last win coming Nov. 10 against the Los Angeles Lakers.