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.