Coming into their game in Minnesota, the Dallas Mavericks had the worst road record in the NBA and were about to face Karl Anthony Towns and the recently recharged Timberwolves
In the 7 games before this matchup, Towns was on a tear averaging 28.3 points, 15.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.9 blocks. The Timberwolves had just fired their head coach Tom Thibodeau and were fresh off of a big road win over the Thunder.
But Luka Doncic and the Mavericks needed a win in the tight western conference race where every game matter especially potential tie breakers down the line.