Stats rundown: 4 numbers from the Dallas win against Minnesota

The Mavericks are now on the cusp of an actual winning streak after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night, 127-122. If you need a full on recap of what happened in the game, click the link below then come on back. Otherwise, let’s get straight to the data that explains the win

Dallas notches record third straight 70+ point half

The ball sometimes seems juiced watching how easy it is for these Mavericks to score. And they needed every single point in the win and building up a massive halftime lead was why. After going up 43-22 in the first quarter, the Mavericks proceeded to lose the second, third, and fourth quarters. The Mavericks held on, but just barely, giving up 45 points in the final twelve minutes.

Minnesota shot 45% from three and lost

Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good and with as scorching as the Timberwolves were from beyond the arc, it’s something that the Mavericks hung on for a win. Dallas shot the ball an okay 35% from beyond the arc but were carried by the former New York Knicks. Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Trey Burke combined for nine makes on 18 attempts. That means the other Mavericks, including Luka Donic, shot a putrid three of 16 from beyond the arc.

Free throws played a key role for the Mavericks

The Timberwolves left eight points at the free throw line, including three huge misses when trying to work themselves into striking distance in the final few minutes. Going just 20-of-28 may have been the deciding factor in the loss for Minnesota. Dallas, on the other hand, shot just slightly better, going 25-of-30 from the charity stripe.

Points off turnovers kept the game close

Paired with the aforementioned hot shooting from the Wolves, Dallas turned the ball over 14 times and Minnesota scored a whopping 28 points as a result. The further I dive into this data it’s really remarkable that Dallas held on to a victory at all. But they won all the same. Next game they must do a better job taking care of the basketball.

Here’s the postgame podcast, Mavs Moneyball After Dark. If you can’t see the embed below “More from Mavs Moneyball”, click here. And if you haven’t yet, subscribe by searching “Mavs Moneyball podcast” into your favorite podcast app.