The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 125-112 Monday night at the Target Center.

Al Jefferson came out strong in his first game after sitting out the last two games with a suspension. After hitting his first five shots and scoring 11 points in the first six minutes of the game to help the Timberwolves take a 19-9 lead. He scored a game-high 36 points and pulled down 13 boards.

Despite trailing for most of the opening quarter the visitors came back with a storm to end the opening period. The Mavericks outscored the Timberwolves 34-27 to take the lead.

Shawn Marion led the visitors in scoring with 29 points. Dirk Nowitzki added 24 points and Caron Butler finished with 23 points.

The Timberwolves had six players to reach double figures. Ryan Hollins and Jonny Flynn each scored 13 points. Ryan Gomes added 12 points. Corey Brewer and Ramon Sessions each scored 11 points in the loss.

Brewer finished the game one of seven from three-point land to extend his three-point streak to 28 straight games which is a team record for the Timberwolves.

Minnesota struggled throughout the contest from behind the arc going (4 of 22) 18.2 percent.

The Timberwolves are 14-50 for the season and 9-23 at home.

The Mavericks (44-21) haven't lost since Feb. 16 at Oklahoma City and have climbed into second place in the Western Conference.