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.