Mavericks Vs. Timberwolves: Dallas Home Winning Streak Snapped In Loss

Kevin Love's three-pointer just before halftime set the tone for what was to come for the Mavericks in the second half. After the game, Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle pointed to the way his team closed the first half as the turning point in the game.

"The game turned at the end of the first half," Carlisle said. "We lost some concentration. ... Look, we didn't deserve to win, and frankly, after that period at the end of the second quarter, we really didn't compete at any kind of level at all."

Dallas led the Timberwolves 54-44 with just 1:07 remaining in the half before the Timberwolves finished the half with an 8-0 run to pull to within 54-52. Ricky Rubio's three with 12.9 seconds remaining pulled Minnesota to within 54-49 before a Jason Terry turnover led to Love's three with 0.9 remaining on the clock making the score 54-52.

Minnesota's victory spoiled Dallas' championship ring ceremony. The Mavericks are now 0-2 in games that they have recognized last season's championship run also losing to the Miami Heat on Christmas day when they raised their championship banner. Dallas had won seven straight home games prior to Wednesday's loss.

For the latest news and notes on the defending NBA champions, check out Mavs Moneyball, while Canis Hoopus has all your latest coverage for Minnesota.

Mavericks Vs. Timberwolves Final Score Update: Minnesota Edges Dallas, 105-90

On a night that started off festive as the Dallas Mavericks received their championship rings, it was the Minnesota Timberwolves and Kevin Love who laughed last, as they secured a 105-90 win on Wednesday night in Dallas.

Love was rewarded earlier in the day with a contract extension of four years, and made good on his new deal with a 31-point, 10 rebound performance. He and young PG Ricky Rubio -- who had 17 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds of his own -- form one of the league's most exciting young duos. Another major part of Minnesota's youth movement, F Derrick Williams, put in 10 points and six rebounds.

Playing without F Dirk Nowitzki, who continues his effort to work his way back into playing shape, the Mavericks found points hard to come by, and the team shot just 41.2% from the field. F Lamar Odom, mired in a season-long slump in his debut campaign as a Maverick, finished the night with just 5 points on a dreadful 2-14 shooting.

For the latest news and notes on the defending NBA champions, check out Mavs Moneyball, while Canis Hoopus has all your latest coverage for Minnesota.

Mavericks Vs. Timberwolves Halftime Score Update: Dallas Holds Slim 54-52 Lead

Hours after agreeing to a new four-year extension, Timberwolves F Kevin Love has 14 first half points to go along with 5 rebounds, and the Timberwolves trail the defending-champion Dallas Mavericks by just two points through 24 minutes of play.

Jason Terry has 11 points off the bench for Dallas, and PG Jason Kidd has 5 points, 3 rebound and 3 assists.

Timberwolves' G Ricky Rubio -- who has frequently drawn comparisons to Kidd -- scored 11 points and dished out seven first half assists.

2011 NBA Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzi is out for the Mavericks, and will miss at least another three games as he works his way back into playing shape after a busy summer schedule and altered-training regimen due to the NBA lockout.

For the latest news and notes on the defending NBA champions, check out Mavs Moneyball, while Canis Hoopus has all your latest coverage for Minnesota.

Mavericks Vs. Timberwolves: Game Preview, TV Info And More

Dallas goes for three in a row without Dirk Nowitzki on the night they receive their championship rings.