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.