Julius Randle shines with 31 points in Timberwolves victory over Mavericks
Jan 28, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) drives to the basket as Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) defends during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Julius Randle delivered an exceptional performance with 31 points to guide the Minnesota Timberwolves to a convincing 118-105 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. This win allows the Timberwolves to string together a second consecutive success after going through their longest losing streak of the season with five straight losses.
Mavericks diminished by injuries
The Mavericks had to play without several key players for this matchup. Rookie and first overall draft pick Cooper Flagg was absent for management of a left ankle injury during this first night of a back-to-back. Flagg had played the last three games after an ankle sprain kept him off the court for two contests.
Klay Thompson was also out due to left knee soreness, while star Anthony Davis is missing due to a hand injury. Star point guard Kyrie Irving hasn’t played all season after tearing his ACL last March.
Randle dominates against his hometown team
Randle was remarkably efficient with 12 of 21 shooting and a perfect 7 of 7 from the free throw line. This performance is part of an excellent streak as he has scored at least 21 points in 11 of his last 12 games against his hometown team.
Julius Randle was HOOPIN’ in Minnesota’s win ‼️
31 PTS
5 REB
4 ASTBack-to-back victories for the @Timberwolves! pic.twitter.com/OJHMuBIEe1
— NBA (@NBA) January 29, 2026
Naz Reid provided valuable support with 23 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals, while Anthony Edwards added 20 points for Minnesota. On the Dallas side, Naji Marshall contributed with 18 points and Brandon Williams with 17 points. P.J. Washington Jr. scored his 21 points entirely in the second half.
The Mavericks struggled at the free throw line with only 67% shooting (26 of 39), which weighed on the final result. Max Christie saw his streak of four consecutive 20-point games end with only 9 points on a difficult 1 of 8 shooting.
Dallas did try to come back by reducing a 16-point deficit to just 8 points late in the third quarter, but Reid stopped that momentum cold with a 3-pointer that sparked a 12-3 run to finish the period. Both teams will play back-to-back games at home on Thursday, with Minnesota hosting Oklahoma City and Dallas welcoming Charlotte.
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