Minnesota Timberwolves VS Dallas Mavericks Preview
...rth triple-double of the season with 29 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists for the Timberwolves. ``That's exactly what this was, a must-win,'' said Garnett, who is averaging 28.5 points and 14.5 rebounds in two games against the Mavs this season. ``You can't paint it any other way.'' ADVERTISEMENT All five starters scored in double figures for the Timberwolves, who had failed to score more than 96 points in losing their previous three. The Mavericks, who own the NBA's best record, are averaging a league-best 102.6 points. However, they have allowed just 83 points a game in winning four in a row, including an easy 101-77 home victory over the Utah Jazz on Saturday. Dallas led by 28 points after the third quarter, allowing coach Don Nelson to rest his starters. Dirk Nowitzki led six teammates in double figures with 21 points. ``Any time you can get some rest at this time of the year, it's nice,'' said point guard Steve Nash, who had 12 points in 16 minutes. Nowitzki has hit 58 percent of his shots in averaging 33.0 points against the Timberwolves this season. Dallas has won 10 of the last 14 meetings against Minnesota, including a sweep in the first round of last season's playoffs. STANDINGS: Timberwolves - 3rd place, 8 1/2 GB, Midwest Division. Mavericks - 1st place, Midwest Division. PROBABLE STARTERS: Timberwolves - F Wally Szczerbiak, F Garnett, C Radoslav Nesterovic, G Anthony Peeler, G Troy Hudson. Mavericks - F Raja Bell, F Nowitzki, C Raef LaFrentz, G Micha...