The Mavericks defeated the Timberwolves with 35 points from Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving scored 16 of his 35 points in the third quarter, Luka Doncic jumped out to a late lead and finished with 24 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-114 on Tuesday in their first meeting back in the Finals the Western Conference last season.

Anthony Edwards scored 24 of his 37 points in the first quarter, setting a Target Center record by going 7-for-13 from 3-point range. He also only managed 6 for 12 from the free throw line.

Doncic put his stamp on the game with a 33-footer with 1:04 left, extending the lead to eight points. He barked at fans as he returned to the bench after a timeout. That was his only attempt in eight attempts from behind the arc.

PJ Washington added 17 points and eight rebounds for the Mavericks, who played on consecutive nights following their 110-102 home win over Utah on Monday. Doncic went 5-for-22 from the floor and 1-for-9 from 3-point range for 15 points against the Jazz.

Julius Randle had 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for the Timberwolves.

With Doncic in a bit of a slump, the Mavericks not only got a superstar performance from Irving, the other half of their leadership duo, they were also particularly active on defense with 12 steals.

Irving shot 6 for 8 from 3-point range, including a swish with 2:31 remaining and Randle guarding him tightly at the top of the key after the Timberwolves got within 109-107.

The Mavericks host Houston on Thursday night.