Dallas Mavericks Team Report - November 23

(Basketball News) - The Dallas Mavericks lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves, 83-82, on Monday at American Airlines Center.

Dallas was without its two best players in Dirk Nowitzki and Michael Finley, but still managed to hold the lead for most of the game. Josh Howard had a game-high 22 points with eight rebounds, while rookie point guard Devin Harris scored 14. Marquis Daniels struggled with his shot (5-for-18), but still managed a solid all-around game with 11 points, 10 boards and five assists.

Nowitzki and Finley are both out with sprained ankles. Nowitzki hurt his left ankle in Sunday’s loss to the Denver Nuggets and is expected to miss 7-to-10 days. Finley went on the injured list last Thursday with a sprain to his right ankle.

Dallas has dropped three of its last four games after starting the season 7-1. Minnesota turned the ball over 18 times, compared to just seven for Dallas.

The rookie Harris has averaged 14 points and 4.3 assists in his last four games.

The Mavericks are off until Wednesday when they host Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs. Last season, Dallas won three of its four contests with the Spurs.