Instant Reactions: Mavericks fall flat against Timberwolves

The Dallas Mavericks entered their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves without Daniel Gafford, Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II.

That meant undrafted free agent Moussa Cissé drew the start at center, with Dwight Powell handling backup minutes.

It did not go well.

Dallas was out-rebounded 60-42, surrendered 15 second-chance points and allowed 56 points in the paint in a 120-96 loss to Minnesota.

This was one of the Mavericks’ worst offensive showings of the season. They didn’t reach 80 points until late in the fourth quarter, and no Dallas player scored 20.

Rookie Cooper Flagg finished with 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting but was a minus-27. P.J. Washington added 13 points and seven rebounds and was a minus-7.

The game slipped away early when Minnesota ripped off a 12–0 run in the first quarter, sparked by Naz Reid scoring eight of his 22 points during that stretch.

The Mavericks will look to rebound against the New York Knicks on Wednesday.